Navy continues to thwart fishing exercises using explosives

Following a special operation conducted by the Navy in Mannar and Erakkandi on January 17 and 20, 2022, 11 water gelignite sticks, a type of commercial explosive, and several other explosive materials ready to be used for illegal fishing had been seized, the Navy said.

Blast fishing, which is carried out by a handful of fishermen using explosives, causes great damage to the coral ecosystem and spawning grounds. Therefore, use of such explosives for fishing will have a major impact not only on the marine ecosystem but also depletion of fish species, the Navy said in a statement. 

In the same vein, SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command recovered two water gelignite sticks, six safety fuses and three non-electric detonators hidden in the shrubs off Kothapiddi Beach, Mannar on January 17. These explosives had been set up for blast fishing, when the items were recovered.

The explosives are being held by the North Central Naval Command, were handed over to the Mannar Police for onward legal proceedings. 

Meanwhile the explosives recovered by the Eastern Naval Command have been kept under navy's custody until they would be produced for onward investigation.

The Navy said it will continue to prevent these kinds of illegal fishing exercises taking into account their serious consequences on marine ecosystems and fishing industry.