Navy apprehends 18 persons and seizes 04 dinghies for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy apprehended 18 persons along with 04 dinghies for engaging in fishing using unauthorized nets, during 03 separate search operations in Eastern seas on 23^rd and 25^th June 2020. Accordingly, the accused were held in the sea areas off Foul Point – Trincomalee and Kokkuthuduwai – Mullaitivu.

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. Accordingly, naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command conducted similar operations in the sea areas off Trincomalee and Mullaitivu on 23rd and 25th June. In one of the operations, 08 persons were taken into naval custody for engaging in illegal fishing with unauthorized nets. Along with the individuals 93kg of illegally caught fish, 02 dinghies and several other fishing gear were taken into custody. Meanwhile, the Navy in two more operations in the seas off Kokkuthuduwai –Mullaitivu, held another 10 persons who engaged in illegal fishing. Two (02) dinghies and several fishing gear belonging to them were also seized during this operation.

The apprehended persons who are from 22 to 50 years of age were identified as residents from different areas of the country. The accused along with seized items were handed over to the Trincomalee and Mullaitivu Assistant Directorates of Fisheries for onward action.