Navy apprehends 06 persons for engaging in light-coarse fishing in northern waters

In a decisive move to combat illegal fishing activities, the Navy apprehended 06 persons who were found engaging in light-coarse fishing off Chundikulam and Chalai, Jaffna in the wee hours of today (24th May 2023). The search operations also led to the seizure of 06 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used by the suspects.

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, undermine legitimate fishing industries, and damage marine ecosystems. In similar search operations conducted by the Naval Detachments Chundikulam and Chalai in the Northern Naval Command off Chundikulam and Chalai, 06 individuals were apprehended as they were practicing prohibited light-coarse fishing techniques. Naval personnel also seized 06 dinghies and unauthorized fishing equipment used for this illegal act.

The persons held in this operation are residents of Pudukuduirippu, Madurankuliya, Ganeshapuram and Mulliyan, from 23 to 65 years of age. The suspects along with dinghies and fishing gear were handed over to the Jaffna Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for onward legal action.