The Navy has apprehended nine persons for illegally harvesting sea cucumber during a special operation conducted off Achchankulam, Mannar today (5).
The operation also led to the seizure of diving gear, a dinghy and 168 illegally harvested sea cucumbers.
The group between 25 and 58 years of age are residents of Vankalai, Mannar.
The suspects and court produce have been handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for further legal action.
Meanwhile, the Navy reported that 126 suspects were arrested in 2022 with 18,369 sea cucumbers.
