(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command apprehended 15 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing practices using unauthorised fishing nets at two separate locations in Trincomalee on Friday (16).
Accordingly, naval personnel nabbed 7 local fishermen for engaging in illegal fishing, using unauthorised fishing nets in the sea area off Norway Island. Along with the fishermen, 1 dinghy, 1 outboard motor, a pair of diving fins, 1 diving mask, 1 unauthorised fishing net and 130 kg of fish were taken into naval custody.
Further, 8 more fishermen were apprehended while engaging in illegal fishing activities using unauthorised fishing nets in the sea area of Nilaweli, off Pigeon Island on the same day. During the arrest, 1 dinghy, 1 outboard motor, a pair of diving fins, 1 diving mask and 1 unauthorised fishing net were also taken into custody.
The apprehended persons, items and the stock of fish were produced before the Trincomalee Assistant Fisheries Director for onward investigations.