The Sri Lanka Navy on Friday has arrested 15 local fishermen in two separate incidents in Trincomalee on Friday for allegedly engaged in illegal fishing practices using unauthorized nets. Naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command apprehended 7 local fishermen engaged for engaging in illegal fishing, using unauthorized fishing nets in the sea area off Norway Island. Along with the fishermen, 1 dinghy, 1 outboard motor, a pair of diving fins, 1 diving mask, 1 unauthorized fishing net and 130 kg of fish were taken into naval custody. Another 8 fishermen were apprehended while engaging in illegal fishing activities using unauthorized fishing nets in the sea area of Nilaweli, off Pigeon Island on the same day. During the arrest, 1 dinghy, 1 outboard motor, a pair of diving fins, 1 diving mask and 1 unauthorized fishing net were also taken into custody. The apprehended persons, items and the stock of fish were produced before the Trincomalee Assistant Fisheries Director for onward investigations.