Navy nabs 09 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber in Mannar
The Navy apprehended 09 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber during a special operation conducted off Achchankulam, Mannar in the wee hours of today (05th January 2023). The operation also led to the seizure of diving gear, 01 dinghy and 168 illegally harvested sea cucumbers.
Sri Lanka Navy conducts constant operations in coastal and sea areas around the island to prevent various forms of illegal fishing activities. In a similar effort, this apprehension was made by SLNS Pussadewa, during a special operation mounted off Achchankulam on 05th January. Accordingly, naval personnel took hold of 09 persons engaged in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber with their diving gear, 01 dinghy and 168 sea cucumbers.
The apprehended persons were identified as residents of Vankalai in Mannar, from 25 to 58 years of age. The persons and their belongings held in this operation were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for onward legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Navy has apprehended 126 suspects and held 18369 sea cucumbers during operations in 2022 and produced them to relevant authorities for onward legal proceedings.
