The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 15 persons who engaged in illegal night diving and illegal fishing practices on the 11th and 13th of October 2022.
These separate search operations were conducted off Point Pedro, Ampan, and Chundikulam, where the Navy also took hold of fishing and diving gear used for these illegal acts.
Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular operations to prevent illegal fishing practices performed by a handful of people in coastal areas around the island.
During operations thus far in 2022, the Navy has apprehended 396 persons engaged in illegal fishing activities and produced them for legal proceedings.
The Navy will continue to carry out similar operations, to prevent damage caused by such practices on the marine ecosystem and take into account its blow on the livelihood of the law-abiding fishing community.