The Sri Lanka Navy says 65 people were apprehended during a series of operations conducted against suspected illegal fishing practices in waters around Sri Lanka.
According to the Navy, the operations also resulted in the seizure or detention of fishing craft and equipment associated with the alleged activities.
The enforcement actions formed part of continuing efforts against fishing methods and activities prohibited under Sri Lankan fisheries regulations.
Legal-status safeguard
These are apprehensions and enforcement actions.
They are not criminal convictions.
Do not describe all 65 individuals as having been proven guilty of illegal fishing.
Use:
- “apprehended”;
- “suspected illegal fishing”;
- “alleged offences”;
- “referred for further legal action”
where appropriate.
Continuity safeguard
Keep this story separate from previously published Sineth News cases involving:
- approximately 820 kg of fish suspected to have been caught using explosives in Muthur; and
- the separate more than 3,200 kg Mullaitivu blast-fishing seizure.
Do not combine their quantities, suspects or operations.
Likewise, any separate Jaffna sea-cucumber seizure should remain clearly identified as a distinct operation if mentioned.
Apprehensions are not convictions
These are enforcement actions, not convictions. The 65 people are linked to suspected illegal fishing and alleged offences. This report remains separate from the Muthur 820 kg case, Mullaitivu 3,200 kg case and any Jaffna sea-cucumber seizure; their quantities and suspects are not combined.