Navy apprehends 39 persons for involvement in illegal fishing practices

In an effort to safeguard the nation’s marine resources, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a series of search operations across island waters from 01 to 15 Jun 26. These operations resulted in the apprehension of 39 individuals and seizure of 12 dinghies, 01 canoe and 02 tractors and 01 cab utilized for illegal fishing activities.

The operations spanned the beach stretches and sea areas of Kinniya, Thuduwa, Sagarapura, White Top Rock, Chapel Rock, Kokkatoaru, Thakwa Nagar in Trincomalee, Nandikadal in Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, Kaddaikadu in Jaffna and Kartivu in Ampara, executed by the Eastern Northern and Southeastern Naval Commands.

The operations yielded a significant haul of items, including commercial-grade explosives, and banned fishing gear. Following their apprehension, the suspects, along with the seized fishing boats, vehicles and equipment, were handed over to the Trincomalee, Kuchchaveli, Muthur, Mullaitivu, Cod Bay, Batticaloa, Jaffna and Kartivu Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department offices for onward legal action.