Navy apprehends 5 persons poaching in Kalpitiya and Puttalam lagoons

The Navy detained five persons who engaged in illegal fishing practices, during special operations conducted in the lagoon areas of Uchchamuni in Kalpitiya and Serakkuliya in Puttalam on October 20 and 21, 2023. The operations also led to the seizure of two dinghies, 740 sea cucumbers, as well as diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear.

The Navy carries out regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to prevent illegal fishing practices which threaten the sustainability of the fish stock.

Accordingly, SLNS Vijaya in the North-western Naval Command carried out separate search operations in Uchchamuni and Serakkuliya lagoon areas on October 20 and 21 and searched two suspicious dinghies. The search operations led to the detention of five persons along with the confiscation of 740 sea cucumbers, two dinghies, diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear, as they were engaging in night diving without valid passes and unlawfully fishing sans license.

The individuals held in these operations were residents of Kalpitiya, from 27 to 38 years of age. The five persons along with the confiscated dinghies, sea cucumbers and other unauthorized fishing and diving gear held were handed over to the Kalpitiya Fisheries Inspector and Puttalam Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department for onward legal proceedings.

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