The Navy, during special operations conducted in the past week, had nabbed a group of individuals along with their fishing accessories, for engaging in illegal fishing.

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

Accordingly, the Eastern Naval Command had carried out several operations in the sea area off Pigeon Island in Nilaveli, lagoon area of Kotuwamada in Batticaloa, off the Norway and Naditivu Islands and sea area of Sampoor in Trincomalee. Meanwhile, the Northern and North Central Naval Commands also conducted separate operations in the sea areas of Talady and Erukkulampiddi in Talaimannar respectively. These operations had led to apprehension of 31 persons along with 09 dinghies, for engaging in illegal fishing without valid passes, using unauthorized nets and engaging in diving to illegal harvest of fish. The suspects were identified as residents of Trincomalee, Erakkandi, Kinniya, Welleimanal, Muthur, Mannar and Erukkulampiddi areas.

The accused along with their fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Directors of Fisheries in Trincomalee and Batticaloa and Fisheries Inspectors of Nilaveli, Muthur, Kuchchaveli, Mannar and Point Pedro for onward legal action.