Navy apprehends 10 persons engaged in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber in northern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 10 persons for engaging in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber, during search operations conducted off Kudirippu, Veththalakerni and Nagar Kovil in Jaffna on 26th April 2023. The operations also led to the seizure of 1040 sea cucumbers, 05 dinghies and diving gear.

The Navy carries out regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to prevent illegal fishing practices which threaten the sustainability of fish populations, undermine legitimate fishing industries, and damage marine ecosystems. As an extension of these efforts, the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni, belonging to the Northern Naval Command, made these apprehensions in the sea areas of Kudirippu, Veththalakerni and Nagar Kovil, by deploying naval craft. Accordingly, naval personnel nabbed 10 persons engaged in harvesting of sea cucumber, without valid licence, and took into custody about 1040 sea cucumbers, 05 dinghies and diving gear.

The apprehended persons are residents of Mannar, Vankalai and Palleimunai areas, from 22 to 46 years of age. The suspects together with the stock of sea cucumber and belongings were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Thalayadi for onward legal action.