Lankan Navy arrests 21 for illegal fishing

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 21 local fishermen for using banned fishing nets and for allegedly engaged in illegal fishing practices.

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The Navy reported that naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya in Kalpitiya arrested 21 local fishermen along with six Fiber Glass Dinghies (FGDs).

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The fishermen were engaged in illegal fishing using a Surukku net in the Norochchcolai and Udappuwa sea areas, reports Lanka Page website.

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Two pairs of diving fins, a diving goggle and two hand GPS were also taken into custody during the arrest.

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The Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development had already warned earlier that the fishing activities carried out by using Laila and Surukku nets are strictly proscribed and if such an incident is detected, craft along with fishing gear are liable to be confiscated.