New horizons in fresh water fish breeding

Raja Waidyasekera Tissamaharama special correspondent

Fresh water fishing has opened new horizons for fresh water fishermen in Hambantota district.

Fresh water fish breeding has also received a new lease of life with the commencement of the Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu under the Mahinda Chintana programme.

The fresh water fish breeding project in Walawe left bank development project has achieved tremendous success and has proved to be a boon to the fresh water fishermen.

Eleven tanks in Walawe left bank area have been brought under the programme and a large number of fingerlings have been released to these tanks.

With the ever rising sea fish prices the people now consume fresh water fish which is available at cheaper rates.

The fresh water fisherfolk in Hambantota district said that there is an increased demand for Japan Koreli species of fish.

Fresh water fish breeding has now become a money spinner as such the fresh water fisherfolk request the authorities concerned to start fresh water fish breeding in abandoned lagoons in Hambantota district to provide livelihood to lower income group fisher folk.

A fisheries extension officer told the Daily News that certain varieties of fingerlings grow up to one kilo in weight in 8 months.