Coordinated search operations conducted by the Navy and Coast Guard in the sea areas of Vankalei and Pallimunai, Mannar led to the apprehension of 13 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber on Monday and Tuesday (29 and 30). The operations also resulted in the confiscation of 777 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, diving gear and five trawlers.
To prevent illegal fishing practices in Sri Lanka’s sea and coastal areas, the Navy is actively monitoring and enforcing operations, with a view to support legal fishing activities.
The Naval Detachment Vankalai belonging to SLNS Pussadewa in the North Central Naval Command carried out a search operation in the Vankalai area on Monday (29).
The SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command, with the assistance of Coast Guard, mounted another search operation in the Pallimunai area on Tuesday (30). During this operation Naval and coast guard personnel nabbed 11 persons who were engaging in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber. Meanwhile, 642 illegally harvested sea cucumbers and five trawlers were also held in this operation.
The apprehended 13 individuals were identified as residents of Vankalai, Illuppukadawai and Mannar who are from 19 to 56 years of age. The two persons held in Vankalai, along with sea cucumbers, were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Nanattan for legal action. The 11 individuals nabbed in Pallimunai with sea cucumbers and five trawlers were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for legal proceedings.
