Inquiry over allegations of illegal shark fishing in Trincomalee

The Department of Fisheries will commence an inquiry into allegations made with regard to illegal shark fishing in Trincomalee. 

Marine Conservation group, The Pearl Protectors had reported that fishermen were killing local shark species in Trincomalee. 

“This crime is happening in Trincomalee. Once a marine biodiversity hotspot, has now come under threat as fishermen are increasingly killing local shark species,” the organization Tweeted with an image of dead sharks.

The Pearl Protectors further pointed out, “Nilaveli and Pigeon Island are some of the only places where you can swim with sharks.”

The matter on illegal shark fishing in Trincomalee has been brought to the notice of State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekera.

Commenting on the matter, State Minister Wijesekera said Officers from the Department of Fisheries will visit Trincomalee to investigate in this regard. 

He further said legal action will be taken against those responsible, once the initial investigations are concluded.