Twenty-six (26) persons held for involvement in illegal fishing

In separate search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 20 to 25 May 25, twenty-six (26) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in the sea areas of Kaddaikadu, Kokkuthuduwai, Thiriyaya, Nayaru, Mankerni, Waleithoddam, Kuduirippu, Pulleyaradi, Vavunativu and Kanankuda. The individuals were caught while engaging in illegal fishing practices using unauthorized fishing gear.

These operations conducted by SLNS Kashyapa, Gotabaya, Ranweli, Walagamba, Lankapatuna and Naval Deployment Veththalakerni, with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors in respective regions, also led to the seizure of 178 unauthorized fishing nets, 10 dinghies, explosives 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, Kuchchaveli, Batticaloa and Echchalampaththu Fisheries Inspectors for legal action.