Navy apprehends 05 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy apprehended 05 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing, during patrols conducted in sea areas belonging to the North Central Naval Command on 22^nd June 2020.

The Northern Naval Command while conducting a search operation in the sea area off the Iranativu Island apprehended 02 persons engaged in diving to harvest sea cucumber on 22^ndJune 2020. The suspects were identified as 23 and 29 year old residents of Nachchikuda area. Along with the suspects 37 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, a dinghy and several diving gear were taken into naval custody.

On the same day, the same Naval Command nabbed another 03 individuals who returned to the shore after engaging in illegal fishing without valid passes in the sea areas of Thavupadu, Mannar and Irukkulmpiddi, Talaimannar. The suspects were identified as residents of Mannar and Irukkulmpiddi, from 19 to 48 years of age. The Navy also seized an unauthorized fishing net, 07kg of illegally caught fish, an outboard motor and 02 fishing boats along with the suspects.

The apprehended suspects and other seized items were handed over to the Mulankavil Police, Mannar Fisheries Inspector and Assistant Fisheries Inspector of Pesalai respectively for onward action.

As illegal fishing practices often causes grave damages on marine habitats that support marine life, the Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular patrols in prevention of such activities.