Navy apprehends 03 for shell fishing in Kalpitiya seas

The Navy apprehended 03 individuals who engaged in shell fishing, during a search operation conducted in the Ippantivu sea area of Kalpitiya on 25th January 2024. Meanwhile, the size of the seized conch shells (about 1856) was not within the legally accepted limit. The Navy also held the dinghy used for this illegal act.

The search operation was carried out by Navy Marines attached to SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command. The illegal stash of about 1856 conch shells were recovered from a dinghy which was intercepted on suspicion, whilst plying in the Ippantivu sea area. The operation also led to the apprehension of 03 suspects in connection to the incident and the dinghy used for this illegal activity.

The apprehended suspects were identified as residents of Kalpitiya area, from 12 to 48 years of age. The accused, along with conch shells and dinghy, were handed over to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department Office, Puttalam, for onward legal action.