SRI LANKA - Ministry of Finance and Planning

2.2 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
We have so far failed to tap
the vast potential of the ocean resources
surrounding us. I am determined to
change this situation and develop the
fisheries industry and to bring it to
a level of the industry in Japan and
Thailand
(Mahinda Chintana - 2005, p 43)
Optimal exploitation of deep sea resources has been
hampered by low levels of technology.
Inadequate investment of private sector in large scale
infrastructure development and deep sea fishing.
Relatively high (30 percent) post harvest losses, poor
market chain and transport facilities.
Degradation of coastal and aquatic environment
and poor management of coastal and aquatic
environment.
Non-availability of reliable and up to date marine
and inland fish resource data.
The fleet which could be deployed for deep sea
fishing is rather limited and accounts only for 9
percent. Further, 43 percent of operating boats are
still non-motorized traditional boats. The outboard
and fixed engines account for only 45 percent.
Overview
Sri Lanka has considerable fisheries potential in coastal,
offshore/deep sea, inland fisheries and aquaculture.
The fisheries sector contributes around 1.2 per cent
to GDP and employs over 650,000 people directly and
indirectly through related activities.
However, owing to the following challenges, the
exploitation of coastal resource in Exclusive Economic
Zone of Sri Lanka has been subsided over the past few
decades;
Policy Direction
The fisheries development policy aims at exploiting
the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources in a
sustainable manner, while conserving the coastal
environment. The government is targeting selfsufficiency
in the national fish supply and a significant
increase in fish exports. The key components of the
policy directions are specified as follows.
Diversification of production and exploitation
of offshore and deep sea fisheries through the
introduction of modern technology giving high
priority to efficient fishing methods. It is also planned
to reduce pressure on coastal resources through the
implementation of fishery management programmes.
Sri Lanka possesses suitable water bodies throughout
the country for developing a viable inland fishing.
Thus, developments of freshwater capture fisheries
and aquaculture in inland water bodies have also been
identified as a viable industry. This can be implemented
through increasing fish seed production and
introducing them in to minor and seasonal tanks with
the support of community based fishery management.
Sri Lanka - The Emerging Wonder of Asia
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