June 14, 2012

 
Sri Lanka's fish production to reach 686,000 tonnes by 2013

In order to bring Sri Lanka's total fish production to 686,000 tonnes by 2013, Sri Lanka's inland water fish harvest is expected to reach 98,000 tonnes, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

The minister was explaining the future plans of the fisheries industry, issuing a message on International Ocean Day on June 8.

Arrangements have been made to increase the sea fish production in the North and East to 43% and deep sea fish production by 194%. The inland water fish harvest will also be increased by 100%, he added. "In 2009, we received only 339,730 tonnes of fish as the total fish harvest of the year. But we increased it to 444,830 tonnes within two years. It is the largest fish harvest in the country's history.

We have already implemented a large scale programme to achieve these goals by 2013," the minister said. Banning of illegal fishing vessels and equipment has caused the increase in fish harvest. It also helps preserve the beauty of the sea as well, he said. In addition, all arrangements have been made to begin aquatic organism farming in 8,000 new reservoirs this year to double the inland water fish harvest in the country.