Navy nabs 16 persons engaged in light-coarse fishing in eastern seas

Special operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the wee hours of 22nd May 2023 led to the apprehension of 16 persons for engaging in light-coarse fishing, fishing without valid licence and fishing using unauthorized nets, in the sea areas of Nayaru and Alampil as well as sea and lagoon areas of Kokilai in Pulmudei. During these operations the Navy also took hold of unauthorized fishing gear and 07 dinghies used for these illegal acts.

The Navy conducts regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island in order to suppress illegal fishing activities performed by people. As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Gotabaya in the Eastern Naval Command conducted a search operation on 22nd May off Nayaru and Alampil in Mullaitivu and apprehended 10 persons for engaging in light-coarse fishing and fishing with unauthorized nets. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 03 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used for the illegal fishing practice.

On the same day, SLNS Ranweli belonging to the Eastern Naval Command conducted a special search operation in the sea and lagoon areas of Kokilai and held 06 more individuals engaged in light-coarse fishing and fishing without valid licence. The operation also led to the seizure of 04 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used by the suspects.

The suspects held in these operations are residents of Puttalam, Kokilai, Padavi Sri Pura, Welioya and Madurankuliya areas, from 22 to 44 years of age. The 16 individuals together with 07 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mullaitivu and Fisheries Inspector of Kuchchaweli for onward legal proceedings.