Naval operations carried out in Eastern, Northern, Northwestern and North Central Naval Command areas in the past two weeks have led to the seizure of 10,219 sea cucumbers illegally harvested through night diving and the apprehension of a group of individuals and diving gear used for this illegal act.

The Navy has increased its day-and-night patrols covering the seas around the country in an attempt to prevent illegal fishing practices.

The North Central Naval Command, during patrols conducted in Walaipadu and Iranativu sea areas, took into custody 6,878 illegally-harvested sea cucumbers, 53 persons, 11 dinghies and diving gear.

The Northwestern Naval Command in Arippu, Kondachchikuda and Kalpitiya seas, the Northern Naval Command off Allapiddi and Eastern Naval Command in the sea area of Sallimunai seized 3,341 illegally-harvested sea cucumbers.

The navy took into custody 22 persons, seven dinghies and other accessories used by the suspects.

Other naval operations carried out in Eastern, Northern, Northwestern, North Central and Southeastern Naval Commands from February 16 to March 30, 2021 led to the apprehension of 128 more individuals and the seizure of 41 craft engaged in illegal fishing.

The suspects ranging aged from 17 to 61 years, held in these separate operations were identified as residents of Trincomalee, Point Pedro, Lunuwila, Thoduwawa, Negombo, Gandara, Kuchchaveli, Sendun, Kinniya, Pottuvil, Kudiraweli, Karadikuli, Kalpitiya, Jinnamuham, Silawathura, Puttalam, Mannar, Allapiddi, China Bay, Arippu, Kandakuliya, Nachchikuda, Sallisambalthivu, Gurunagar, Talaimannar, Poduwakattu, Vankalai, Muthur, Kiranchi, Sivapuram, Mulankavil Ambalantota and Tissamaharama areas.

 The suspects along with the fishing vessels and gear were handed over to the Assistant Directors of Fisheries in Trincomalee, Mannar and Muthur, Fisheries Inspectors of Kuchchaveli, Puttalam, Kalpitiya, Pooneryn, Silawathurai, Jaffna and Kilinochchi, Police stations of Kalpitiya, Kayts and Trincomalee and office of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Point Pedro and Pottuvil for legal action.