The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 17 individuals involved in the illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers during a special search operation conducted in the waters off ‘K’ Point and Vinayasodi, Jaffna, in the early hours of March 1, 2025. The operation also led to the seizure of 4,255 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, four dinghies, and diving equipment.
As part of its continuous efforts to combat illegal fishing activities, the Navy regularly patrols the country’s coastal and sea areas to enforce responsible fishing practices. The latest operation was carried out by SLNS Welusumana under the Northern Naval Command, targeting individuals engaged in unauthorized night diving for sea cucumbers without valid licenses.
The arrested suspects, aged between 21 and 56, are residents of Jaffna, Maniyathottam, Udayapuram, Gurunagar, Kurunaaru, Pannakuruppu, and Arialei. They, along with the confiscated sea cucumbers, dinghies, and diving gear, were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Jaffna for further legal action.
