For a bigger catch

Sri Lanka has a land area of 65,610 Sq Km, but it has inherited a sea area at least 23 times bigger. This is a vast area that undoubtedly has abundant marine resources, primarily fish. The country will need thousands more fishing vessels to make maximum use of this vast ocean 'real estate'.

Now Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne has announced that his Ministry has signed agreements on joint ventures with two foreign companies to introduce 1,000 fishing vessels by end 2011. The vessels will be placed with the Corporation. The fishermen using them should carry the National Flag and the emblem of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation.

We hope these boats will be equipped with powerful outboard motors, two-way radio, GPS, Sonar (for locating fish), weather equipment and stabilizers to cope with rough, deep seas where there is a greater chance of a better 'catch'. Modern technology can help fishermen to undertake safer voyages and find bigger catches. Bigger boats can be equipped with refrigeration facilities as well.

The plight of the Lankan fisherman who survived for several weeks in a poorly equipped boat without help in the deep seas should be a lesson for our fisheries planners in this regard.

The strengthening of the fishing fleet is a commendable move, because the fisheries sector has a vast potential for development in the post-conflict era. Now that we have a functioning Coast Guards Unit, this step will also help reduce poaching by foreign fishing vessels in our waters. In other words, we will get more of the 'catch' instead of foreign trawlers.

This step may also lead to a reduction of fish prices in the local market, making fish more affordable to families around the island.

It has been pointed out that once the boats start operations, the Fisheries Corporation will get enough fish to influence the fish market in a big way and bring fish prices down. This is part of an action plan to alleviate malnutrition in the country in which the Ministry will promote fish as a main source of proteins. Cheaper fish and dried fish will be a healthy, viable alternative to chicken the price of which had gone up recently.

The best way to achieve this aim is go to the public directly through the Corporation's own retail outlets, some of which may be mobile (refrigerated trucks). Preference should be given to the interior areas of the country which currently experience a dearth of fresh fish. In this context, the Ministry's plan to set up 250 fish retail outlets throughout the island is commendable. The Minister has promised lower prices to consumers through these outlets which certain to become a 'big hit' among discerning consumers.

The fishermen should also be provided with other facilities 'on shore' such as ice plants, fisheries harbours and community centres. The Ministry has planned to raise the number of fishery harbours in the country from 18 to 26 with foreign assistance in keeping with the program.

The newly liberated Northern province, as well as the Eastern Province, must necessarily be included in these plans in the light of the increased contribution to the fisheries industry from the North. Fish production in the North which was at seven percent before the conflict was brought to an end has now increased to 43 percent. The 'catch' in other areas is also increasing. Sri Lanka should also be able to increase its fisheries exports substantially.

We also hope that Indian and Sri Lankan authorities and their respective Navies/Coast Guards would be able resolve the issues regarding the crossing of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) by fishermen from both countries. This is a vexed issue that must be addressed without delay by both sides.

There should be more canning factories in Sri Lanka to take advantage of the increased yield. We spend billions of rupees every year on canned fish imports.

This is a criminal waste of foreign exchange, considering the vast fish resources in the ocean surrounding our island. Unfortunately, due to the lack of technology and canning factories, we have not been able to tap this market.

If more canning factories can be opened, a considerable sum of foreign exchange can be saved. Apart from canned fish and dried fish, there is a market for new, innovative processed fish products, some of which can even be exported. The Industrial Technology Institute should assist enterprises willing to introduce new fish products.

The authorities should not lose sight of inland fisheries (freshwater fisheries) in drawing up plans for the development of fisheries. After all, inland fish are said to be even more nutritious and tasty. More boats should be provided for inland fishermen as well.

They need not be so advanced as the deep sea going versions and thus the expenditure too will be less. Selected varieties of fast-breeding hatchlings should be introduced to inland lakes and tanks. Inland fish and fish products too should be popularized islandwide, even in coastal areas. This will augment the income of inland fisher folk.

It will be a major fillip for Lankan industries if more boats can be sourced locally.

There are a number of boat builders in Sri Lanka who are reputed for building international class vessels. It will also help generate employment in the local maritime sector.

Both deep sea and inland fishermen must be granted enhanced life/boat insurance in addition to the pension scheme.

These people risk their lives every day to feed their families and a comprehensive insurance cover will put their minds at ease. Their families too will be relieved to some extent. There should be additional welfare facilities for fishermen and their families. They should also be educated on responding to a tsunami.

Fisheries is one of the most vital components of our economy. Developing the sector is essential for the growth of the economy as a whole. The provision of more advanced boats is hopefully the first step in reviving this crucial sector.