Related Topics - Fisheries Statistics | Fisheries & Policy Reforms | Targets
 
Why Sri Lanka needs Fisheries Reforms?
Fisheries Sector is still under-developed, unscientific and without a proper management
   
No adequate contribution to economy; No professionalism
   
Low per capita fish supply
   
Fisher families are in abject poverty, No savings for future generation
   
Fisheries insurance is minimal: health, housing , education not covered
   
Fisher Community suffers from acute unemployment & insecurity
   
No resource protection
   
Sea erosion is severe & dangerous; Coastal & sea pollution is high
   

No bank or credit facilities; Infra-structure inadequate; Administrative rules are out-dated and not fisher-oriented ; Fishers’ participation for management is inadequate

 
Policy Reforms and Strategies
The Ministry of Fishers and Ocean Resources is committed to promoting the principles of "responsible fishing" and will create awareness among fishers and undertake management programmers to achieve this objective.
   
The use of resource and habitat destructive fishing practices particularly the use of dynamite and stupefying substance will be prevented through awareness programmes, effective surveillance and stringent enforcement of laws. The existing laws will be revised to ensure deterrent punishment for such activities.
   
Resource friendly fishing methods such as long-lining will be encouraged and gill-netting will be phased out.
   
A volunteer marine resource protection force comprising about 10,000 fishermen who will assist the authorities in protection of resources by undertaking surveillance while fishing, providing information, etc. will be established.
   
Strategies will be implemented to promote fishing and reduce production costs
   
Surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone will be intensified in collaboration with competent local of foreign organization possessing a cost-effective state of the art marine surveillance system.
   
Fishers will be organized at the level of landing sites, DS Divisions, Districts, Zones and at the National level, so that at every level they will be consulted when decisions are made.
   
As fish is highly perishable item, fish traders could exploit the fishermen easily. With a view to saving the fishers from the middlemen, the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation will buy the catch directly from the fishers at competitive prices. A fisheries development fund will be established formally.
   
Local and foreign private sector will be encouraged to enter into partnerships with the state agencies in the fisheries sector, such as the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation and Cey-Nor Foundation Ltd. for implementing projects in fishing, fish processing and marketing, infrastructure development, boat building , etc. State assets in the fisheries sector will not be sold of privatized.
   
A Fisheries Trust and a Fisheries Bank will be set up with a view to assisting fishers to procure fishing vessels and equipment and other inputs. Private investors both locals and foreign will be invited to invest in this Trust and the Bank.
   
Action will be taken by creating awareness and implementing laws to ensure that the fish products for human consumption meet acceptable safety and quality standards.
   
Fishers and fish traders will be encouraged to minimize post-harvest losses and add value to fish products.
   
Greater social and economic opportunities will be sought for women in fishing households who will be expected to play an active role in improving household incomes and fostering thrift and savings.
   
Health and sanitation in the fishing villages will be improved and health care centers and clinics will be established to cater to pregnant mothers and young children.
   
Children of fishing families will be provided with better opportunities for education.
   
The National Institute for Fisheries and Nautical Engineering will train every fisherman going out to sea and make arrangements with the concerned authorities to issue a Competent Discharge Certificate (CDC).
   
The National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering in collaboration with recognized universities will conduct degree level courses in fisheries and issue degrees to successful candidates. In selecting candidates for such courses preference will be given to children of fisher families.
 
Economic Centers at Landing Sites
Investment for each Landing site
Rs. 1 million
No. of landing sites
1000
Total investment needed
Rs. 1 000 million
 
Employment Created (within first 5 years)
5 for each landing site (5 x 1000) 5000
Annual management expenses for each landing site (Rs.50,000 x 12) Rs.600,000
Annual management expenses for 1000 landing sites Rs.600,000 x 1000
= 600 million
 
 
 2009
 2009
 2009
depfish@fisheries.gov.lk