Navy apprehends 09 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber

The Navy apprehended 09 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber in the sea area of Arippu, Mannar, during a special operation conducted in the early hours of 20th November 2023. The operation also led to seize about 1384 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, diving gear and 03 dinghies.

The Navy conducts regular operations in the coastal and sea areas belonging to the island, in order to suppress illegal fishing activities performed by people with scant regard towards responsible fishing practices. In a similar effort, Special Boat Squadron (SBS) personnel attached to the Naval Detachment Thalvupadu of SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command made this search operation in Arippu sea area on 20th November. During the operation, SBS personnel intercepted a suspicious dinghy and nabbed 09 individuals for their involvement in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber, without valid licence. In this operation, the Navy also took hold of about 1384 sea cucumbers, diving gear and 03 dinghies.

The individuals apprehended during this operation were identified as residents of Mannar, from 25 to 47 years of age. The suspects along with their equipment and sea cucumber were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for onward legal action.