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Fresh water fishing has been successfully undertaken in more than 200 seasonal tanks under the National Program of Developing Freshwater Fishery Industry, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

Harvesting fish in Sinnakulam tank in Anuradhapura was started recently. Minister for Ocean and Marine Resources Mahinda Wijesekera also took part in the opening ceremony of the harvest season, around three tons of fish out of nearly 10 tons harvested during the first harvest.

Inland freshwater fish industry fulfils the protein supplement of the inland people while giving them an opportunity of eating fresh fish, says National Aquatic Resources Authority.

Seasonal tanks get water only during the rainy season and fishing in these tanks during that season has been successful. As such the government has initiated a project to develop fresh water inland fishery.

Around 3000 seasonal tanks have been identified to be developed according to NARA. With the government focusing on the development of freshwater inland fishery, around 200 seasonal tanks have started freshwater fishery and another 250 such projects are ear-marked for development, with this the total will reach 1500 by the year 2005.

Fresh water fish varieties as Thilapiya, Rogu and Kaapaya are to be grown in these tanks, these types grow to a kilo in 7-8 months, says NARA. And in areas where fishery unions are functioning, protection will be given till harvesting season starts and supply of necessary nets for fishing, fingerlings, arranging suitable markets will be done when harvesting season starts.

The Government will thereafter give funds for maintaining the tanks, buying fingerlings from the Ministry of Fisheries and functioning of the union out of the sale of the harvest. With this the Government expects the inland freshwater fishery to develop further and provide jobs as well. Around 50 fishery development officers now working islandwide under the Fisheries Ministry are expected to supervise the inland freshwater fishery in seasonal tanks according to NARA, a release of the government spokesman's office said.

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