Over 12,000 reservoirs to become fresh water fish farming tanks

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) has taken measures with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry to develop over 12,000 reservoirs in the dry zone as fresh water fish farming tanks, NAQDA chairman Jayantha Chandrasoma told the press recently.

"This will help develop the inland water fish industry," he said. In 2010, fish production from inland fisheries and aquaculture was 52,410 metric tons and its contribution to the country's fish production is 13.6 percent. Fisheries Ministry and NAQDA have made arrangements to increase the inland fisheries and aquaculture production by 38,000 metric tons, he added.

Inland fisheries and aquaculture play an important role in providing fish at affordable prices to rural communities, while providing livelihood assistance, strengthening the rural economy and bringing foreign exchange to the country.

According to the NAQDA chairman, around 50,000 persons are engaged in inland fisheries and aquaculture directly and indirectly. Developing reservoirs will help them increase their fish cultivation, creating more employment opportunities for the young generation in rural areas, he added.