Asia Pacific conference to develop aquaculture

Rohana JAYALAL

An international workshop on Practical Implementation of the Ecosystem, Approach to fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia Pacific region will be held in Colombo this week under the patronage of Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Felix Perera.

The workshop will be hosted by the Government in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Over 70 participants from fisheries and environment institutions in the Asia Pacific Region will attend the workshop, which will be held from May 18 to 22.Conservation of the aquatic environment is one of the policy objectives of the ministry of fisheries and aquatic resources.

The degradation of the coastal and marine environment by coastal pollution and the threat to the sustainability of coastal habitats have emerged as a major problem adversely affecting the industry.The FAO code of conduct for responsible fisheries is important in the implementation of the ecosystem approach to fisheries and aquaculture.

The purpose of the workshop is to demystify the ecosystem approach to fisheries and aquaculture and show how practical planning and implementation tools can be applied to develop the fisheries sectors.