Boost for fresh water fishing

The National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) will improve the fresh water fishing industry in line with the deep sea fishing industry.

Fresh water fish production has also increased within a few years. Inland aquaculture fish production which was 2.4 percent in 2009 increased to 15.7 percent in 2012, NAQDA Chairman Jayantha Chandrasoma told the Sunday Observer.

He said that inland fisheries aquaculture and shrimp farming contributed to 46,560 metric tons in 2009 and increased to 68,950 metric tons in 2012.

He said that stocking of Freshwater Prawn Post Larvae which was 8.06 million in 2009 increased to 15.54 last year.

Stocking of fish fingerling and Freshwater Prawn Post Larvae in the reservoirs in the Northern province from 2009 to 2012 was 13,876,925.

He said that 11,642,925 fingerling and 2,234,000 Freshwater Prawn Post Larvae were stocked in the reservoirs in the Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu districts.

NAQDA has implemented diverse programs to improve the living standards of fresh water fishermen with help from the Economic Development Ministry under the 'Divi Neguma' program.There are several programs under the Divi Neguma including the rearing of fish fry in fonds, farming of food fish in ponds, ornamental fish farming, fish culture in seasonal reservoirs, fish culture in estate tanks, culture of bivalves, sea bass farming and improvement of small scale ornamental fish farms.

The program will provide an additional income to people while catering to the nutritional needs of the rural community, he said.NAQDA has provided 688 fibre glass craft, 1,020 sets of fishing gear, 175 bicycles and fish crates for inland fishermen, he said.

-NJ