The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) warns of a rapid decline in fish resources in the coastal areas of the country due to over fishing.
Jagath Rajapaksa, Research officer of the NARA said coastal fish resources have been harvested to the optimal level, which accounts for 50 percent.
“ If we harvest the fish at this rate, the fish resources in the coastal fishing would soon be reduced to zero. There is a need to popularize deep sea fishing to sustainable coastal fishing”, he said.
According to NARA, deep sea fishing accounts for 35 percent while inland fishing is accounted for 15 percent.