Navy catches 22 persons for illegal fishing

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended, on Thursday night, 22 persons engaged in banned light-coarse fishing and night diving. They were arrested during search operations conducted off Nayaru, Mullaitivu and around the Kinniya Bridge. Eight dinghies, diving gear and fishing equipment were also taken into naval custody.

One of the raids was carried out by a group of Rapid Action Boat Squadron personnel from the Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with the Office of Fisheries Inspector, Mullaitivu. The operation led to the apprehension of eight persons, three dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used for light-coarse fishing.

Meanwhile, SLNS Gokanna and SLNS Parakumba, also from the Eastern Naval Command, with the assistance of the Office of Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Trincomalee, carried out a search operation in the lagoon, surrounding the Kinniya Bridge, and arrested 14 persons engaged in night diving. The Navy also took into custody five dinghies and diving gear used for this illegal practice.

The Navy is carrying out continuous operations in the coastal areas, surrounding the island, to safeguard the marine ecosystem from the negative impacts of unlawful fishing practices.

The suspects held in these operations are residents of Negombo, Mullaitivu, Kinniya and China Bay – 29 to 56 years of age. The apprehended individuals, together with their belongings, were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, in Mullaitivu and Trincomalee, for further legal action.