Navy apprehends 25 persons engaged in illegal fishing in eastern seas

The Navy apprehended 25 persons who engaged in illegal fishing, during a special search operation conducted in the sea area of Coral Cove, Trincomalee on 02nd May 2023. The operation also led to the seizure of 05 dinghies and unauthorized fishing equipment used for the illegal act.

The Navy carries out regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to prevent illegal fishing practices which threaten the sustainability of fish populations. As an extension of these efforts, the search operation was mounted by the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee in the Eastern Naval Command, by deploying its Inshore Patrol Craft off Coral Cove on 02nd May. The search operation led to the apprehension of 25 individuals along with 05 dinghies and fishing gear for engaging in illegal fishing using unauthorized fishing nets.

The Individuals held in this operation are residents of China Bay, Kinniya and Muthur, from 18 to 57 years of age. The 25 persons along with their belongings were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector in Cod Bay, Trincomalee for onward legal proceedings.