38 arrested for illegal fishing

Colombo, May 14 (Daily Mirror) - A total of 38 individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended following search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy, with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors, from April 21 to 28.

The operations were carried out on the beach and sea areas of Kaddaikadu, Pudumathalan, Trincomalee, Kokilai, Chappel Island and Back Bay. The individuals were caught while engaging in practices such as illegal light-coarse fishing and the use of unauthorised fishing nets.

Meanwhile, these operations conducted by the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni, SLNS Gotabaya, Perakumba, Vijayaba and Naval Dockyard, with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors in the respective regions also led to the seizure of eight unauthorised fishing nets, 12 dinghies and equipment used for light-coarse fishing.

The suspects, along with the fishing boats and unauthorised gear seized during these operations, were handed over to the Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kinniya, Trincomalee and Cod Bay Fisheries Inspectors for legal action.