Fish production exceeds pre-tsunami average

by L. S. A. Wedaarachchi

[email protected]
 

Fish production last year exceeded the pre-tsunami average in 2004, said Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, G. Piyasena.

The annual fish production recorded a 10 per cent growth of 29,100 MT compared to 2003. Fish exports recorded a growth of 18 per cent last year, he said. He said that the government launched infrastructure development activities such as construction and expansion of fishery harbours, anchorages, landing sites, ice plants and retail outlets which were damaged by the tsunami devastation.

Most of these were completed last year, he said. Incentives for the construction of 234 multi-day boats have been provided to promote off shore and deep sea fishing.

The Secretary said the Fisheries Ministry introduced a guaranteed price for 26 fish varieties to protect small scale fishermen who operate one-day boats and were most affected due to the rising cost of fuel.