Thirteen (13) persons held in Mannar for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber

Coordinated search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard in the sea areas of Vankalei and Pallimunai, Mannar on 29th and 30th April 2024 led to the apprehension of 13 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber. The operations also resulted in the confiscation of 777 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, diving gear and 05 trawlers.

To prevent illegal fishing practices in Sri Lanka’s sea and coastal areas, the Navy is actively monitoring and enforcing operations, with a view to support legal fishing activities.

As an extension of these efforts, Naval Detachment Vankalai belonging to SLNS Pussadewa in the North Central Naval Command carried out a search operation in the Vankalai area on 29th April. The operation led to the apprehension of 02 individuals for their involvement in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber. Moreover, 135 illegally harvested sea cucumbers and diving gear used for this illegal act were also held in this operation.

In addition, SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command, with the assistance of Coast Guard, mounted another search operation in the Pallimunai area on 30th April. During this operation naval and coast guard personnel nabbed 11 persons who were engaging in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber. Meanwhile, 642 illegally harvested sea cucumbers and 05 trawlers were also held in this operation.

The apprehended individuals (13) were identified as residents of Vankalai, Illuppukadawai and Mannar who are from 19 to 56 years of age. The 02 persons held in Vankalai, along with sea cucumbers, were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Nanattan for legal action. Further, the 11 individuals nabbed in Pallimunai with sea cucumbers and 05 trawlers were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for legal proceedings.