Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Ministry to boost fisheries resources and introduce aquaculture through lagoon eco-systems
The Fisheries Ministry of Sri Lanka has reportedly stated it will launch a conservation programme to protect lagoon eco-systems aimed at boosting fisheries resources, eco-tourism and introduce aquaculture.
The Ministry has stated that the move would result in the expansion of the incomes of fisher families.
According to the Ministry, 11 metric tonnes of fish had been harvested from 10 main lagoons in 2015.
The Ministry has further stated that aquaculture could further increase fisheries production and expand the supply of protein for domestic consumption as well as become a key export commodity.
“The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources had declared that this production can be doubled through the conservation of lagoons and making the aquatic ecosystem suitable for fisheries,” the Fisheries Ministry has made this observation in a note to the Cabinet of Ministers recently.
“Extension of aquaculture in lagoons would further increase fish production.”
Accordingly, lagoons in Puttalam, Nayaru, Arugam bay, Panama and Rekewa are to be conserved on a priority basis.
According to reports, the 2018 budget has allocated Rs. 1,000 million for the project this year and another Rs. 1,100 million for 2019 and 2020.
Meanwhile, potential for expanding aquaculture has been identified in Jaffna, Nayaru, Batticaloa, Mundal, Rekawa, Negambo, Chilaw, Puttalam, Mawella, Lunama, Lankapatuna, Arugam Bay, Koggala, Kottukal, Panama, Komari, Achchankula and Garaduwa lagoons.
OSL take:
The decision by Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Ministry to conserve lagoons around the country with the aim of boosting fisheries resources would open up many investment opportunities for foreign investors looking at entering the country’s economy. Foreign investors/businesses could also explore options of forming partnerships with local businesses engaged with the fisheries sector to further expand operations into harvesting fisheries resources in lagoons. The conservation of lagoons would also help boost eco tourism as well.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/19042018/Z_1 |