Fisheries sector achievements commendable - Hiroyuki Konuma

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne held discussions with Assistant Director General Hiroyuki Konuma of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations last week on continued FAO-Sri Lanka cooperation in fisheries sector development, Fisheries Ministry spokesman Narendra Rajapaksa told the Sunday Observer.

He said that Konuma highlighted the FAO "Blue Growth" Initiative in support of food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable management of aquatic resources. Dr. Senaratne, while explaining the rapid expansion of aquaculture in the country, elaborated planned parallel developments in the marine sector to achieve an annual production of 685,000 metric tons by 2016, to satisfy country's fish requirement.

The Minister also highlighted Sri Lanka's initiative at the 31st Session of FAO Committee of Fisheries to launch the "Mahinda Rajapaksa Global Aquaculture Fund".

FAO will hold an expert consultation on "Culture Based Fisheries" in Sri Lanka early next year. Konouma commended Dr. Senaratne for his achievements in the fisheries sector and the successful conclusion of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) sessions in Colombo last month, the Spokesman said.

FAO Resident Representative Ms. Beth S. Crawford and Dr. S. Subasinghe, Advisor to the Minister were also present.