Navy apprehends 06 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern seas

The Navy nabbed 06 persons for engaging in illegal light-coarse fishing, during a search operation conducted in the sea area of Chalai, Jaffna on 03rd May 2024. The operation also led to the seizure of 03 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used by the suspects.

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 these ongoing initiatives, Naval Detachment Chalai operating within the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command, intercepted 03 suspicious dinghies in the sea area of Chalai and apprehended 06 individuals for their involvement in illegal light-coarse fishing. The 03 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear employed for this illegal act were also taken into naval custody.

The suspects held in these operations were identified as residents of Talaimannar and Mullaitivu areas, who are from 20 to 40 years of age. The suspects along with the seized items were handed over to the office of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Jaffna for onward legal action.