Ban imposed on salvaging of shipwrecks

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has imposed an immediate ban on salvaging of shipwrecks on the grounds that salvaging shipwrecks results in the destruction of fish breeding grounds, millions of fish eggs and their reproduction.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr.Rajitha Senarathne said the salvaging of shipwrecks for scrap iron has become a lucrative business though it has adverse effects on the fisheries industry.

"The salvaging of shipwrecks results in the destruction of millions of fish eggs, affecting their reproduction", said the minister.

He added the retrieval of shipwrecks would be allowed only if they are located on the path of sea routes, affecting sea transportation

According to the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), locations of shipwrecks are the best places for fish breeding. NARA has identified 23 ship wrecked sites in the Eastern Province.