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The Moving Finger by Lionel Wijesiri

An Australian consultant recently expressed his surprise that we have for long not seriously considered of having a systematic development plan for fresh water fisheries in the country. "The basic infrastructure is already here", he said, " what is needed is a good plan and will power to implement it."

In his book - "Sri Lanka Fisheries Exploitation" A. Somasundarampillai says that many varieties of fish have been found suitable in fresh water - tilapia mozambica, traditional carp, milk fish, stinging catfish, etrophus, striped snake heads, fresh water shark and the common and flower resberra.

He further says, " Raising of fish for human consumption, in cages and pens, is a traditional practice in many South East Asian and Latin American countries. This was gaining popularity because of the ease of the operation and the relatively low harvesting costs".

"The trials conducted showed that it was possible to harvest marketable fish ranging individually from 175 to 240 grams, throughout the year after the initial 6-month grow-out period. The average production per cage (volume 5 Cu. Metres) per month was around 350 kg, giving an annual production of over 4000kg. Cage and pen culture will prove attractive, particularly to those who are living closer to reservoirs and brackish water lagoons"

School of Aquaculture

Aquaculture, simply defined, is the farming of various types of fish. Fish show great promise as a "crop" that will respond well to the benefits of being raised in a controlled environment. In particular, they appear to have a good profit potential for the small to medium size grower who is willing to invest capital, time, and management skills to build a profitable business of their own. With increasing populations and the decline of the world's fisheries, fish farming has nowhere to go but "up" to supply an ever-growing demand.

Many countries have taken aquaculture as a serious subject and some have even started national dedicated colleges. For example, in Australia there is a National School of Aquaculture, where students have access to a wide range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses that allow for an effective transition into employment with commercial farms, teaching in the aquaculture sector or further research in aquatic biology.

The School of Aquaculture provides students with leading research facilities and is in close proximity to a wide range of commercial farms allowing students with access to a high level of industry expertise and experience.

The aquaculture industry in Australia is poised to meet shortfalls in domestic production and expand lucrative export markets leading to a demand for graduates in roles including farm workers, farm managers, policy makers and advisers, aquaculture consultants and researchers. These are 2 to 3-year full-time courses in which students are required to undertake core and elective studies in a range of disciplines including aquaculture, chemistry and maths. Students must spend at least 2-8 weeks during their studies carrying out work experience to fulfil the requirements of the diploma or degree.

Hawaiian Experience

Some years ago, State of Hawaii found out that their ground and market environments are highly conducive to the development of aquaculture production and services businesses. Hawaii is an ideal location for aquaculture, the farming of plants and animals in water.

From the lush green mountains, to the sandy shores of the broad blue ocean, water abounds, providing a myriad of environments to raise a wide variety of seafood. Shrimp, abalone, seaweed, micro algae, tilapia and various organisms for the aquarium trade are among the many investment opportunities on all the tropical islands of the State.

The planned programme of development initiated by the Hawaiian Government is a classic example for a similar country like ours.

Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) is a part of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and diversified agriculture's solution for moving Hawaii towards greater food self sufficiency, as well as creating viable export industries.

The ADP provides a wide range of support for Hawaii's aquaculture industry. ADP is a planning, development and problem-solving organisation, whose goals are to get production and service businesses started, and once started - to help ensure their success through active assistance.

Its major areas of assistance include:

(1) Planning and Coordination : ADP continually assesses progress in Hawaii's aquaculture industry and recommends plans and policies to enhance development and improve the business climate. The Program encourages sister agencies to consider Hawaii's enormous potential for sustainable aquaculture expansion in carrying out their statutory functions, and represents the State in national and international forums.

(2) Information Dissemination : ADP provides a wide variety of current information of such important subjects as species and culture technologies, product and service markets, government regulations, and the costs of doing business in Hawaii. The Program maintains a national and international network of strategic partners and sources to tap for the latest information.

(3) Business Counselling : ADP helps in the preparation and review of business plans; advises on permit requirements, financing sources and locating suitable sites; and offers technical assistance to improve farm profitability.

(4) Marketing : ADP assists in the promotion of local products, research and technology transfer, services and investment opportunities through direct marketing and assistance to local, national, and international media; staging promotional exhibits; publication of recipes and brochures; and public relations for the industry; and also acts as a clearinghouse to put potential customers in touch with producers and consultants.

(5) Research and Development Funding: State project funding is generally directed towards reducing farm risks, lowering production costs, and increasing yields. Emphasis is on applied research and state-wide extension services, focusing on existing commercial species and new species and system development. Collaborations and partnering with other public and private sector groups that fund or carry out research is stressed.

Today, what we urgently require is an intensive research programme in aquaculture and begin growing fish in commercial scale and develop the basics of an accepted aquaculture program. Our intention should be to offer commercial aquaculture systems in selected areas to "contract growers" who will produce high-value fish for sale through the marketing process. Perhaps we can take a cue from Hawaii.

As Mr. Somasundarampillai says: " There is a great future for inland fisheries, with the coastal fishery exploitation reaching an optimum level and offshore fishing becoming costly with high prices of oil as well as other imported items like engines and gear.

Concerted efforts towards greater intensive aquaculture will produce definitely excellent results."

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