Thirty (30) persons collared for involvement in illegal fishing

In separate search operations conducted by the Navy with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from 09 to 20 Jun 25, thirty (30) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended in multiple locations. The operations also made way for the seizure of 10 dinghies and 02 traditional boats employed for these illegal practices.

These operations were conducted by the Northern, Eastern and Northwestern Naval Commands in Gurunagar of Jaffna, Uppural, Kumburupiddi, Poduwakattu and Nilaweli of Trincomalee, Alampil and Nayaru of Mullaitivu, Palameenmadu of Batticaloa and Pulyankuda Lagoon of Puttalam. The individuals were held for their involvement in fishing with unauthorized nets, light-coarse fishing, using explosives for fishing and night diving to harvest sea cucumbers. Apart from the 30 individuals, 10 dinghies and 02 traditional boats, the Navy had also taken into custody 14 unauthorized fishing nets.

The suspects along with fishing boats and unauthorized gear held in these separate operations were handed over to the offices of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Ichchalampaththu, Mullaitivu, Kuchchaweli, Batticaloa Mamaunai North I and Kalpitiya for legal action. Meanwhile, the stock of explosives seized by the Navy in the Nilaveli area was handed over to the Sardhapura Special Task Force.