Navy arrest three for illegal fishing

A search operation conducted by the Navy off Kokilai, Pulmude on July 27, 2023, led to the apprehension of three persons who were engaging in illegal fishing activities. During this operation, the Navy also held one dinghy, a stock of illegally caught fish and unauthorized fishing gear used for the illegal act.

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 fish populations, undermine legitimate fishing industries, and damage marine ecosystems.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Ranweli in the Eastern Naval Command made this apprehension, during a search operation conducted off Kokilai on July 27. Accordingly, the Navy nabbed three individuals who were engaging in fishing using commercial explosives. The operations also led to the apprehension of one dinghy, about 105Kgs of illegally caught fish and unauthorized fishing gear used by the individuals.

The persons held in this operation were identified as residents of Kuchchaveli, falling within the age range of 24 to 42 years. The apprehended persons together with their belongings and the stock of fish were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Kuchchaveli for further legal action.