Naval personnel attached to SLNS Buwaneka in Nachchikuda in the North Central Naval Command arrested 33 persons along with approximately 1,500 sea cucumbers caught illegally in the general area of Anthonipuram on 26th March 2016.

Three fishing dhows and a Fibre Glass Dinghy (FGD) were also seized during the arrest.

The arrested persons, along with belongings and sea cucumbers were handed over to the office of the Assistant Director Fisheries, Mannar for legal action.

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development recently decided to restrict the sea cucumber fishing as the sea cucumber harvest is gradually decreasing in the Sri Lankan seas due to illegal fishing methods.