Navy apprehends 07 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern waters

A special operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy on the afternoon of 06th June 2023 off Point Pedro, Jaffna led to the apprehension of 07 persons who engaged in diving to catch fish, without valid fishing passes. During the operation, the Navy also seized one (01) dinghy as well as diving and fishing gear used for this illegal fishing practice.

To safeguard the marine ecosystem from the negative impacts of unlawful fishing practices, the Navy is carrying out continuous operations in the coastal and sea areas surrounding the island. As an extension of these efforts, this special operation was conducted on 06th June in the sea area of Point Pedro, deploying the Inshore Patrol Craft P 055 attached to the Northern Naval Command. During the operation, naval personnel apprehended 07 persons, along with 01 dinghy as well as fishing and diving gear, for engaging in diving to catch fish, without valid fishing passes.

The persons held in this operation were residents of Kalpitiya and Mannar, from 20 to 37 years of age. The 07 individuals together with their belongings were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector – Point Pedro East for onward legal action.