Navy apprehends 07 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 07 persons for engaging in illegal fishing, during separate operations conducted off the Norway Island, Trincomalee and in Erakkandi on 02nd October 2023. The operations also led to the apprehension of 01 dinghy, 01 lorry and unauthorized fishing gear.

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 stock. In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Parakumba in the Eastern Naval Command carried out a search operation on the night of 02nd October off the Norway Island and nabbed 06 individuals for fishing with unauthorized nets. During this operation, 01 dinghy and unauthorized fishing gear used for this illegal act were also taken into the naval custody.

Meanwhile, SLNS Vijayaba belonging to the same Naval Command apprehended a suspect (01) with about 105 kg of fish, killed using explosives, while being transported by a lorry, during a search operation mounted in Erakkandi area, in the dark hours of 02nd October.

The individuals apprehended during these operations are residents of Wellemnal, Kinniya and Erakkandi areas, from 23 to 47 years of age. The 06 persons and their belongings apprehended off the Norway Island were handed over to the Muthur Fisheries Inspector and the suspect along with the lorry held in Erakkandi was handed over to the Trincomalee Fisheries Inspector for onward legal action.