A sharp growth in fishing industry September 24 2010

With lifting restrictions on fishing and the prevailing peaceful environment  in the country, the fisheries industry has recorded a sharp growth during the second quarter of this year.

According to the Department of  Census and Statistics, the fisheries industry has shown a growth of  8.3 percent  during this period. The marine fish production has been increased by 18.6 percent and fresh water fish production by 15.7 percent. 

Department sources said more fishermen have re-commenced  the livelihood as the restrictions on fishing in the North and the East were removed after ending the war against the LTTE, last year.

During the first six months of this year,  fishing activities in the northern province  have been increased by  134 percent and in the eastern province by  45.8 percent.

The Ministry of Fisheries expects a sharp increase in fish harvest as all restrictions on fishing were relaxed and fort the first time the ban  fishing boats with 40 HP engines was removed.