Navy apprehends 12 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy apprehended 12 persons who engaged in illegal fishing practices, during special operations conducted in the beach areas of Nilaweli and Kinniya in Trincomalee and the sea area of Chalai in Jaffna on 9th, 10th and 11th September 2023. The operation also led to the seizure of 4 dinghies and unauthorized fishing equipment and diving gear used for the illegal acts.

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 the fish stock.

Accordingly, SLNS Vijayaba in the Eastern Naval Command carried out operations in the beach area of Nilaveli and in the sea area of Adukkupadu on 9th and 10th September, where 9 individuals were held for fishing using unauthorized nets. In addition, the Navy also apprehended 02 dinghies and unauthorized fishing equipment used for this illegal act.

Meanwhile, the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command nabbed a suspect on the charges of practicing light-coarse fishing off Chalai on the morning of 10th September. Along with the person, a dinghy and unauthorized fishing equipment in his possession were also held.

In the same vein, SLNS Gokanna and SLNS Parakumba carried out a combined search operation in the beach area of Sinnamulachchenai of Kinniya, with the assistance of Trincomalee Assistant Directorate of Fisheries today (11th September). The operation led to the apprehension of 2 persons engaged in diving to catch fish. During this operation a dinghy and diving gear used by those individuals were also taken into custody.

The individuals held in these operations are residents of Nilaveli, Trincomalee and Kinniya, from 22 to 51 years of age. The 12 persons along with the dinghies and other unauthorized fishing and diving gear held were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector in Trincomalee and Jaffna Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department for onward legal proceedings.