Thirty eight (38) persons apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing

In a series of search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 21 Apr to 28, Thirty eight (38) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in the beach and sea areas of Kaddaikadu, Pudumathalan, Trincomalee, Kokilai, Chappel Island and Back Bay. The individuals were caught engaging in practices such as illegal light-coarse fishing and use of unauthorized fishing nets.

Meanwhile, these operations conducted by Naval Deployment Veththalakerni, SLNS Gotabaya, Perakumba, Vijayaba and Naval Dockyard with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors in respective regions, also led to the seizure of 08 unauthorized fishing nets, 12 dinghies and equipment used for light-coarse fishing.

The suspects along with fishing boats and unauthorized gear held in these separate operations were handed over to the Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kinniya, Trincomalee and Cod Bay Fisheries Inspectors for legal action.