Fifteen (15) persons held by Navy for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy held 15 persons who engaged in illegal fishing in the seas off the Elisabeth Island in Trincomalee, on 11^th July 2020.

Sri Lanka Navy frequently conducts patrols to preserve the fish and marine resources in the territorial waters. Accordingly, a group of naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command, spotted some suspicious craft during routine patrol in the seas off the Elisabeth Island. By searching these craft, 15 persons who were engaging in fishing using unauthorized nets were apprehended. The Navy also held 03 dinghies, 02 banned nets and other fishing gear used by illegal fishers.

The suspects are residents of Kinniya and China Bay area, from 25 to 39 years of age. The apprehended persons, dinghies, unauthorized nets and other fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Trincomalee for onward action.