SLCG APPREHENDED APPROX 300 NO’S ILLEGALLY HARVESTED LOBSTERS AND ILLEGAL FISHING NETS

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard personnel deployed at Coast Guard Station Kirinda conducted a combined search operation in Kirinda sea area with the assistance of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources staff, Hambanthota to apprehend illegally caged lobsters out at sea on 31st October 2018. Lobster fishing has been banned during the months of February, September and October as per Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 since it is the reproductive season.

It is a practice that fishermen catch lobsters and caged out at sea during the banned season and collect them on completion of the prohibited period. This practice was closely monitored by the Coast Guard and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources staff and conducted a combine operation and apprehended two cages with approx 300 numbers of lobsters including female lobsters with eggs and also eight illegal fishing nets. Apprehended items were handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources staff Hambanthota for legal actions and Lobsters are due to be released to the sea on receipt of order by the courts.