Illegal vessels, equipment:

Ministry files 419 cases

Ridma Dissanayake

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has filed 419 cases against fishermen using illegal fishing vessels and equipment, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Seneratne.

Out of this, 138 cases have been reported from Batticaloa, 69 from Puttalam, 54 from Trincomalee, 53 from Kalmunai, 49 from Negombo, 17 from Galle, 14 from Mannar, nine from Tangalle, eight from Kalutara, five each from Matara and Halawatha.

The Minister said that 343 cases out of the 419 are regarding fishing with dynamite, using illegal nets and equipment. The rest are regarding using unregistered fishing boats, non- renewed fishing licences and permits.

"These illegal acts happen continuously. Fines above does not help to control illegal activities. The Fisheries Ministry will take urgent action to introduce the right fishing vessel and equipment," Senaratne said. The Fisheries Ministry will provide loans and other needs to the fishery community to strengthen the fisheries industry. It will help uplift their livelihoods and increase fish cultivation, the Minister said.

Fisheries Department has advised Divisional Officers to arrest and take legal action against fishermen using illegal fishing methods, Senaratne said.