Navy arrests eight for poaching, seizes sea cucumbers

Navy arrested eight persons who engaged in illegal fishing practices, during special operations conducted off Kalpitiya, Baththalangunduwa and Uchchamunai on Tuesday (19). The operations also led to the seizure of three dinghies, about 1,995 sea cucumbers as well as diving equipment.

The Navy carries out regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the country, with a view to prevent illegal fishing which disrupts the balance of the marine ecosystem.

The SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command carried out these separate operations off Kalpitiya, Baththalangunduwa and Uchchamunai, deploying a Cedric Boat and an Inshore Patrol Craft on Tuesday (19). The search operations led to the interception of three suspicious dinghies in those sea areas and apprehension of eight persons along with nearly 1,995 sea cucumbers and diving equipment, for engaging in night diving by illegal means.

The individuals held in these operations are residents of Puttalam and Kalpitiya areas, from 19 to 56 years of age. The eight persons along with the stock of illegally harvested sea cucumber and seized items were handed over to the Office of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department, Puttalam for onward legal action.

The post Navy arrests eight for poaching, seizes sea cucumbers appeared first on DailyNews.