Navy apprehends 15 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in Eastern seas

Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations for the prevention of illegal fishing practices which adversely impact legitimate commercial fishers as well as marine ecosystem. During similar search operations conducted in Trincomalee, Kinniya, Mullaitivu and Nilaveli sea areas on 25^th and 28^th July 2020, the Navy managed to nab 15 persons engaged in illegal fishing and seize fishing gear belonging to them.

As such, the Navy took 04 unauthorized fishing nets, 04 dinghies and several fishing gear into custody, apart from the 15 accused. The suspects together with seized items were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mullaitivu, Fisheries Inspector of Kuchchaveli and Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Trincomalee through Regional Director of Eastern Region-Sri Lanka Coast Guard for onward investigation.