Navy apprehends 03 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in eastern waters

A search operation conducted by the Navy off Kokilai, Pulmude on 27th July 2023, led to the apprehension of 03 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing activities. During this operation, the Navy also held 01 dinghy, a stock of illegally caught fish and unauthorized fishing gear 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, undermine legitimate fishing industries, and damage marine ecosystems.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Ranweli in the Eastern Naval Command made this apprehension, during a search operation conducted off Kokilai on 27th July. Accordingly, the Navy nabbed 03 individuals who were engaging in fishing using commercial explosives. The operations also led to the apprehension of 01 dinghy, about 105kg of illegally caught fish and unauthorized fishing gear used by the individuals.

The persons held in this operation were identified as residents of Kuchchaveli, falling within the age range of 24 to 42 years. The apprehended persons together with their belongings and the stock of fish were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Kuchchaveli for onward legal action.