Coordinated dragnet nabs 77 for illegal fishing practices

The Sri Lanka Navy, working with the Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, apprehended 77 individuals for illegal fishing practices during search operations from 17 to 30 Apr 26.

The operations, spearheaded by the Eastern, Northern, and Northwestern Naval Commands, spanned across Kattanthalei, Karumalaiyootru, Valachchenai, Kallarawa, Kinniya, Thuduwa, Kayankerni, Bolder Point, Sampoor, Chilawaththai, Irakkandi, Mohoththuwaram, Panichachankerni, and the Nandikadal Lagoon in Trincomalee. Furthermore, surveillance was tightened across Veththalakeni(VTK) and Point Pedro in Jaffna, as well as the coastal stretches of Savaripuram in Mannar.

The crackdown also led to the recovery of seventeen (17) dinghies, six (06) tractors, fishing gear, illegally harvested sea cucumbers as well as commercial explosives utilized for these illicit activities.

Meanwhile the suspects, together with seized items, were handed over to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department offices in Kokkilai, Mullativu, Jaffna, Valaichchenai, Kuchchaveli, Silavathurai and Kinniya for onward legal proceedings.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting precious marine resources, the Sri Lanka Navy remains ever-vigilant and prepared to sustain these operations.