Navy apprehends 29 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy nabbed 29 persons for engaging in an assortment of illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Chundikulam and Kudarappu in Kilinochchi and Talpadu in Mannar on 15th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 11 dinghies, about 210 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, the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command, intercepted 09 suspicious dinghies in the sea areas of Chundikulam and Kudarappu, leading to the apprehension of 22 persons for fishing with unauthorized nets, light-coarse fishing and illegal night diving activities. Accordingly, the 09 dinghies as well as fishing and diving gear employed for this illegal acts were also taken into naval custody.

Moreover, SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command, conducting a search operation in Talpadu sea area, apprehended 07 more individuals who engaged in fishing using commercial explosives. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 02 dinghies, about 210 sea cucumbers and diving gear.

The individuals held in these operations were identified as residents of Mulliyan, Championpaththu, Talayadi and Mannar, who are from 21 to 62 years of age. The 22 persons held in Chundikulam and Kudarappu sea areas, 09 dinghies and unauthorized fishing equipment were handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Jaffna for onward legal action. Meanwhile, the 07 individuals, together with 02 dinghies, sea cucumbers and diving gear, were handed over to the Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for onward legal proceedings.