Navy apprehends 17 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy nabbed 17 persons, along with 07 dinghies, for engaging in illegal fishing activities, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Kaddaikadu in Kilinochchi, Upparu in Muthur as well as the Nayaru Lagoon and Pudumathalan sea area in Mullaitivu on 17th and 18th April 2024. The individuals involved were caught by the Navy, whilst they were engaging in night diving, using unauthorized nets for fishing, and participating in light coarse fishing.

The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant and conducts operations to combat illegal fishing in its sea and coastal areas, with a view to supporting legal fishing activities.

As part of ongoing initiatives, Naval Deployment Veththalakerni, operating within the Northern Naval Command, apprehended 03 individuals and seized 01 dinghy during a search operation in the Kaddaikadu sea area on 17th April. These individuals were engaging in night diving activities by illegal means, when the apprehension was made.

In another search operation, SLNS Parakumba of the Eastern Naval Command intercepted a dinghy in the Upparu sea area on 18th April, capturing 07 individuals and confiscating the dinghy for employing unauthorized fishing gear.

Moreover, SLNS Gotabaya in the Eastern Naval Command intercepted 05 more dinghies, during a search operation conducted in the Nayaru Lagoon and Pudumathalan sea area on 18th April. The operation led to the apprehension of 07 individuals for engaging in light coarse fishing

The suspects held in these operations were identified as residents of Muthur, Mannar, Pulmoddai, Sandalankawa, Pudumathalan and Mullivaikkal areas, who are from 22 to 43 years of age. The 03 suspects and the dinghy held in the Kaddaikadu sea area were handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Jaffna for onward legal action. Further, the 07 individuals and the dinghy held in Upparu were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Muthur for legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the 07 persons and 05 dinghies apprehended in Nayaru were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mullaitivu for onward legal action.