Navy apprehends 19 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy apprehended 19 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in the sea areas of Kumburupiddi and Nayaru in Trincomalee on 13^th and 14^th July 2020.

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 had apprehended 13 persons for engaging in illegal fishing using unauthorized fishing nets in Kumburupiddi sea area. Similarly, another 06 persons were held by naval personnel of the same naval command for practicing illegal light course fishing off Nayaru. Along with the suspects, 07 dinghies, 02 unauthorized fishing nets and several other fishing gear were also taken into naval custody.

The apprehended persons who are from 25 to 49 years of age were identified as residents of Erakkandi, Padavipura, Kokilai, Madurankuliya and Pulmoddai areas. The accused along with the seized items were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mullaitivu and Fisheries Inspector of Trincomalee for onward investigation.