Navy apprehends 16 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern waters

The Navy nabbed 16 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices, during a search operation conducted in the sea area of Kadeikadu, Jaffna on 12th June 2024. The operation also led to the seizure of 08 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, the Naval Detachment Chundikulam belonging to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command intercepted 08 suspicious dinghies, during a search operation carried out in the Kadeikadu sea area. The search operation resulted in the apprehension of 16 persons for their involvement in fishing with unauthorized nets and light-coarse fishing. During this search, the Navy also held those 08 dinghies, and illegal fishing gear used for the unauthorized fishing methods.

The individuals held in this operation were identified as residents of Mulliyan and Negombo, who are from 18 to 53 years of age. The 16 persons together with seized items were handed over to the Office of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Jaffna for onward legal action.