Navy nabs 15 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern waters

The Navy nabbed 15 persons for engaging in fishing with unauthorized nets, during search operations conducted in the sea areas of Vathirayan and Nagar Kovil in Jaffna on 13th June 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 04 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 Mamunai belonging to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command intercepted 04 suspicious dinghies, during search operations carried out in the Vathirayan and Nagar Kovil sea areas. The search operations resulted in the apprehension of 15 persons for their involvement in fishing with unauthorized nets. The Navy also held 04 dinghies and illegal fishing gear used for the unauthorized fishing practice.

The individuals held in these operations were identified as residents of Eththalei and Kalpitiya, who are from 16 to 40 years of age. The 15 persons together with seized items were handed over to the Office of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Jaffna for onward legal action.