Navy apprehends 08 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy nabbed 08 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Ambalanpokkanei, Mullaitivu and Poduwakattu, Trincomalee on 16th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 03 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear employed for these illegal acts.

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, SLNS Gotabaya in the Eastern Naval Command intercepted 02 suspicious dinghies in the sea area of Ambalanpokkanei, leading to the apprehension of 02 persons engaging in light-coarse fishing. The search operation also resulted in the seizure of 02 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used for this illegal fishing practice.

Moreover, SLNS Walagamba in the Eastern Naval Command conducted a search operation in Poduwakattu sea area where 06 persons were held for their involvement in fishing with unauthorized fishing nets. During this operation, naval personnel also nabbed a dinghy (01) and unauthorized fishing equipment used for this illegal act.

The individuals held in these operations were identified as residents of Mullaitivu, Kuchchaveli and Poduwakattu, who are from 21 to 53 years of age. The 02 persons, 02 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear held in Ambalanpokkanei were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries – Mullaitivu for onward legal action. Similarly, the 06 individuals, the dinghy (01) and fishing equipment held in Poduwakattu were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Trincomalee for onward legal proceedings.