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

The Navy nabbed 11 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Kadeikadu, Chundikulam, Kudarappu and Nagar Kovil in Jaffna on 31st May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 05 dinghies, unauthorized fishing gear and diving equipment employed for these illegal acts as well as about 1100 sea cucumbers.

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 Detachment Chundikulam belonging to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command intercepted 03 suspicious dinghies, during the operation carried out in Kadeikadu and Chundikulam sea area. The search operation resulted in the apprehension of 04 persons for their involvement in light-coarse fishing. The Navy also held illegal fishing gear used for this unauthorized fishing method.

Moreover, the Naval Detachment Mamunai of the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command held 02 more suspicious dinghies in Kudarappu and Nagar Kovil sea areas. During the operation 07 persons engaged in illegal night diving activities were held with diving equipment employed for this illegal act as well as about 1100 sea cucumbers.

The individuals held in these operations were identified as residents of Mulliyan, Thalayadi, and Mannar, who are from 19 to 51 years of age. The 11 persons together with seized items were handed over to the Office of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Jaffna for onward legal action.