Navy apprehends 16 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern waters

Special operations conducted by the Navy off Kadaikadu and Veththalakerni in Jaffna on 21st and 22nd July 2023, led to the apprehension of 16 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing activities. During these operations, the Navy also held 11 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used for these illegal acts.

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.

Accordingly, the Naval Detachments of Chundikulam, Chalei, Mamunai, Veththalakerni and Nagar Kovil belonging to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command made these apprehensions off Kadaikadu and Veththalakerni. Accordingly, the Navy nabbed 16 individuals on charges of light coarse fishing and using unauthorized nets. The operations also led to the seizure of 11 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used by the individuals.

The persons held in these operations were identified as residents of Mulliyan and Chilaw, from 24 to 47 years of age. The apprehended persons together with their belongings were handed over to the Office of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department in Jaffna for onward legal action.