Navy apprehends 25 persons engaged in illegal fishing in northern waters

The Navy apprehended 25 individuals today (01st June 2023) off Mamunai and Chundikulam in Jaffna, for engaging in light-coarse fishing and night diving to catch fish. During these operations, the Navy seized 1068 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, 07 dinghies, and various diving and fishing equipment used in these illicit activities.

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, the Naval Detachment Mamunai and Chundikulam in the Northern Naval Command carried out special operations in the wee hours of today in the sea areas of Mamunai and Chundikulam and nabbed these 25 individuals involved in illegal night diving and light-coarse fishing. The operations also led to the seizure of 1068 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, 07 dinghies, and several diving and fishing equipment.

The apprehended persons, ranging in age from 20 to 57, were from the areas of Mannar, Mulliyan, Kannayankadu, and Jaffna. Following the apprehensions, the Navy promptly handed over the suspects, their belongings, and the illegally harvested sea cucumbers to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Jaffna for further legal action.