News
Quite a catch
The confiscation of over 350 illegal fish nets from the Puttalam lagoon this week is a reminder that despite the prohibition of illegal fishing equipment by a special gazette issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources over 20 years ago, the law has not been put in force.
The Navy and fisheries officials conducted a special raid and confiscated illegal fishing nets worth Rs 5mn from Palliwasathurai, Mandalakudawa, Narikudawa, Kurinnan areas belonging to the Puttalam District.
“When these nets are laid by illegal fishermen, both small and large fish are caught. When the nets with the catch are hauled in, the small fish are thrown on the shore. This will affect the lagoon ecosystems and the breeding patterns of fish,” lamented fisheries officials based in Puttalam.
Over 10 Navy officials from the Wijeya Navy Base in Puttalam joined the operation.
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- Officials examine the haul of illegal nets
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- Fish nets laid out to dry
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- The lost generation: Juvenile fish cast aside
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- Mending ways: A fisherman tends the tools of his trade
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- In the long haul: Unsustainable fishing methods deplete fish resources
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- Lagoon livelihoods
