The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 36 individuals engaged in illegal fishing during extensive search operations across multiple coastal regions.

The operations, carried out with fisheries inspectors, took place in Kotuwa Mada, Salli Kovil, Erakkandi, Elephant Island, Nandikadal, Kalladi, Point Pedro, and Alampil.

Navy teams seized 117 unauthorized nets, 9 dinghies, data logging equipment, explosives, and 3,808 illegally caught sea cucumbers.

All suspects, along with confiscated gear and vessels, were handed over to local fisheries inspectors for legal proceedings.