Fisheries sector registers record harvest

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The fish harvest in 2011 increased by 16 percent compared to 2010, with a harvest of 450,820 metric tons, the largest fish harvest recorded in the history of the fisheries sector, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, said.

Per capita fish consumption is 35 grams which has increased by five grams compared to 2010, he said.

The minister was addressing ministry officials prior to commencing duties for 2012. He said 2012 is vital as a number of projects were launched for the development of the fisheries industry.

"We targeted a fish harvest of 420,000 metric tons in 2011. but we reaped over 450,000 metric tons which was a great achievement of the industry. We faced negative environmental factors, such as, floods and rough weather conditions. But we achieved targets better than expected," the minister said.

Sri Lanka's economic growth is around eight percent, while there is a 21 percent economic growth in the fisheries industry. The fisheries sector is the third most important industry. It is only second to tourism and agriculture sectors.

The ministry will launch development projects on aquaculture and inland water fish industry, minister Senaratne said.