THREE men have been arrested for allegedly fishing using illegal trawling nets to catch shrimps and various types of baby fish, the Public Prosecution said in a statement yesterday.
Once they spotted the Coastguard patrol, the Indian nationals reportedly tried to flee but were caught after a boat chase.
A haul of fresh shrimp was confiscated from the men’s boat, and prosecutors ordered that it be sold in a public auction, with the revenue being deposited into the prosecution’s treasury.
The men admitted to using prohibited equipment and investigations are ongoing in order to refer the case to criminal trial.
Tools such as trawling nets and sea guns are prohibited as they contribute to the destruction of the marine environment.
All seafarers have been urged to adhere to laws and stop practices that threaten the nation’s fish stocks and harm the marine ecosystem.
The prosecution highlighted the importance of allowing fish populations to regenerate, in order to achieve sustainability and preserve marine wealth for future generations.
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