Twenty one percent growth in fisheries industry - Minister

Sandasen Marasinghe Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

The fisheries industry has recorded a 21 percent growth rate for the first time in history, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said in Parliament yesterday.

The minister made this revelation joining in the committee stage debate of the Appropriation Bill 2012, when the finance heads of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development were taken up.

He also said that the value of fish production in the country amounts to Rs 83,928 million at present.

Fresh water fish production in the country has grown by 16 percent, he said.

He also stated that 498 court cases have been filed against the use of illegal fishing equipment.