(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command apprehended 38 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing practices using unauthorised fishing nets, at two separate locations on Saturday (17).
Accordingly, Navy nabbed 31 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing activities using unauthorised fishing nets in the seas off Kevuliya Point, Trincomalee. Along with the fishermen, 4 dinghies, 4 outboard motors, 4 unauthorised fishing nets and 2 diving masks were also taken into Naval custody.
On the same day, another 7 local fishermen were apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing in Sampoor Seas. One dinghy, 1 outboard motor, 1 unauthorised fishing net, 1 diving mask, a pair of diving fins used for fishing activities and 434 kg of fish were also taken into custody along with the fishermen.
The arrested fishermen and fishing gear were respectively produced before the Trincomalee and Kinniya Assistant Directors of Fisheries for onward legal action.