ILLEGALLY FISHED LOBSTERS WITH SUSPECTS WERE FOUND CLOSE TO KIRINDA COASTAL AREA

SLCG personnel attached to the Advanced Training Centre in Kirinda conducted a search operation with the assistance of Intelligence Staff on 12^th April 2023 at 0400 hrs, in the Diyabunwala area (Close to Palatupana). During the operation, they were able to apprehend eight (08) suspects who were in possession of lobsters/female lobsters with eggs that were caught through night diving operations, without valid permits. The list of items confiscated during the operation is as follows and same handed over to Fishery Inspector for further legal action:

• Suzuki Wagon R Car SP CAZ 07
• Bajaj Three Wheeler SP YS 0961
• Air Cylinders - 24 Nos
• Oxygen Hose - 07 Nos
• Diving Mask - 04 Nos
• Lobsters - 153 Nos (Approx. 45 Kg)

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) personnel are committed to upholding the imposed regulations and promoting sustainable marine conservation practices.

Lobsters not only have ecological significance but are also a valuable commodity for Sri Lanka's fishing industry due to their meat being considered a delicacy in many countries. Fishermen in Sri Lanka use a range of techniques such as traps and nets to catch lobsters. Nonetheless, to avoid overfishing and prevent the depletion of the lobster population, Sri Lanka has imposed several regulations on lobster fishing.

Despite the regulations in place, many fishermen violate them by engaging in prohibited activities such as night diving, which has been banned as per the gazette notification issued on March 22, 2019, owing to the high demand for lobsters.