Navy apprehends fifteen local fishermen for illegal fishing

At least fifteen Srilankan fishermen were arrested this week alone for  engaging in illegal fishing activities in lankan waters, Navy said.

Naval troops attached to SLNS Therapuththa in Mannar, apprehended three Sri Lankan fishermen along with a Fiber Glass Dinghy while engaging in illegal fishing in the waters of Silawathura on Wednesday. During the raid 10 oxygen cylinders, 2 diving masks, 4 pairs of diving fins, 2 lobsters and 60 sea cucumbers were also apprehended. The apprehended fishermen and the items were handed over to the Silawathura Police for onward action.

According to the navy,  naval personnel attached to SLNS Thambapanni in Puttalam, in coordination with the Mundalama Police, arrested 5 persons along with equipment, while engaging in treasure-hunting in Kadayamotai area in Mundalama. A van, which was in their possession, was also taken into custody. The accused along with the apprehended items were handed over to the Mundalama Police for further investigations. 

In a separate incident, the  Naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijayaba arrested seven fishermen, along with 2 Fiber Glass Dinghies, 12 oxygen cylinders, 3 diving masks, 3 pairs of diving fins and 3 fishing nets (Athangu), at restricted area off Pigeon Island Sanctuary in Nilaweli. The arrested fishermen and the fishing equipment were handed over to the officials of Wild Life Department in Gopalpuram and Kuchchaweli Police for onward action. 

The Pigeon Island Sanctuary has been designated as a national park and is a significant area of rich bio-diversity. Fishing in the area has been banned due to the aforesaid reasons.