The Sri Lanka Navy on Saturday has arrested 17 local fishermen in two separate incidents for allegedly engaged in illegal fishing practices and harvesting sea cucumbers without a license.
Naval personnel attached to SLNS Gajaba located in Mannar belonging to North Central Naval Command, arrested 8 fishermen who were engaged in illegal fishing activities using explosives in the sea area off Pallimunai yesterday (15).
The Navy has also taken 2 dinghies, 2 unauthorized fishing nets, 6 pairs of diving fins and 330 kg of fish into custody along with the arrest of the fishermen.
The apprehended persons, items and fish were handed over to Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for further action, the Navy said.
Meanwhile, naval personnel attached to SLNS Uththara located in Kankasanthurai in Northern Naval Command on the same day arrested 9 local fishermen who were harvesting sea cucumbers, without a valid license, in the sea area north of Point Pedro.
Along with the suspects 2,105 sea cucumbers, 3 dinghies, 7 diving masks, 30 oxygen cylinders and 3 GPS units were also taken into naval custody. The arrested persons and items have been handed over to Point Pedro Fisheries Inspector for further investigation.
Colombo Page, 2016