16 February, 2021
Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 179 persons for engaging in illegal fishing.
Western, Eastern, Northern, North-western, North Central and Southern Naval Commands carried out operations from 01 January to 15 February 2021 and these persons were apprehended along with 42 fishing boats, a lorry, a three-wheeler and fishing accessories.
The accused had been taken into naval custody for a range of offences such as engaging in fishing without valid passes, using unauthorized fishing nets, engaging in night diving to catch fish, illegal possession of shark fins, conch shells and sea cucumbers as well as transportation of sea turtle eggs for sale.