Feb 01, Colombo: Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism Promotion and the Ministry of Fisheries have warned to take stern action against the use of banned fishing nets and other gear following the mass killing of around 50 dolphins in the sea off Kalpitiya in the north western coast of the island.

Around 100 dolphins were caught on January 30 in a net which is banned to be used and more than 50 of them died while fishermen and tourist boats rescued the others.

The Police have arrested 15 people for the alleged use of banned fishing nets. The net is believed to have been used to catch tuna.

The incident took place off Baththalangunduwa Island where the Ministry of Tourism promotes tourism and whale watching.

According to the local media, a group of fishermen have informed the authorities that an unidentified group is illegally fishing in the area and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources had launched an investigation.