Navy apprehends 11 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern seas

The Navy nabbed 11 persons for engaging in illegal night diving and light-coarse fishing, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Kudarappu and Chalai, Kilinochchi on 07th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 04 dinghies, about 650 sea cucumbers, diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear.

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 Mamunai operating within the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command, intercepted 02 suspicious dinghies in the sea area of Kudarappu and apprehended 06 individuals for their involvement in illegal night diving activities. The 02 dinghies and diving gear employed for this illegal act were also taken into naval custody.

Moreover, Naval Detachment Chalai belonging to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command, intercepted 02 more suspicious dinghies in the sea area of Chalai and nabbed 05 persons for their involvement in light-coarse fishing. The operation also led to the seizure of the 02 dinghies and unauthorized fishing equipment.

The persons held in these operations were identified as residents of Mannar and Chillaw areas, who are from 21 to 42 years of age. The 11 suspects along with the seized items were handed over to the office of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Jaffna for onward legal action.