Eight Nabbed For Illegal Sea Cucumber Harvesting

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Navy apprehended 8 persons for their involvement in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber, during a search operation carried out in the sea and beach areas of Nagar Kovil, Kilinochchi on 08th April 2024.

The operation also led to the seizure of 540 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, 04 dinghies and diving gear.

The Navy conducts regular operations in the coastal and sea areas of the island in order to suppress illegal fishing activities performed by people with scant regard towards responsible fishing practices.

In continuation of these efforts, Naval Detachment Mamunai and Nagar Kovil belonging to the Naval Detachment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command mounted this operation in the sea and beach areas of Nagar Kovil.

The search operation resulted in the apprehension of the 08 individuals engaged in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber and confiscation of 540 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, 04 dinghies and diving gear.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Mannar, who are from 27 to 60 years of age.

The accused along with seized items were handed over to the office of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Jaffna for onward legal action.