New system for fishing vessels

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne is inspecting the newly opened ice factory in Matara. Southern Province Fisheries Minister D V Upul is also in the picture.

'The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry will introduce a Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) system to all multi day fishing vessels to protect nutritional value and freshness of fish cultivation, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne.

"The RSW system is important to save fish from spoilage. It will help multi day fishing boats to protect the harvest," he said.

The minister was addressing a gathering after opening an ice factory at Devinuwara, Matara. The ministry introduced flake ice to the Peliyagoda fish trade centre to protect fish cultivation. "When we supply fish for international and local markets, freshness of fish is vital to have a good demand.

"As a developing country we have to use new technological methods," the minister said. 'The fisheries industry has developed after three decades.

'There is no barrier to the industry. The country has an eight times sea area as land. The Fisheries Ministry will uplift the fisheries community. It is targetted to double the fish cultivation, he added.