MIDTERM POLICY FRAMEWORK 2013-2016
For
Fisheries Sector Development
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic
1
Resources Development
2012
PURPOSE
The Midterm Policy Framework 2013-2016 for Fisheries Sector Development presents an
overview of the fisheries sector, reviews the implementation of the Fisheries Sector
Development Strategy 2010-2013 (FSDS) and evaluates its outputs and outcome, identifies
measures to address the issues and remove constraints encountered in implementation of
FSDS, and widens the scope of FSDS to cover the period 2013-2016 in the context of
Mahinda Chintana - Vision for the Future, the Development Policy Framework of the
Government of Sri Lanka.
2
ABBREVIATIONS
CFC – Ceylon Fisheries Corporation
CFHC – Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation
CITES – Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species
CNFL – Cey-Nor Foundation Ltd
DFAR – Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
IOTC – Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
IUU (Fishing) – Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (Fishing)
MFARD – Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development
NAQDA – National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka
NARA – National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency
NIFNE - National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering
RFMO – Regional Fishery Management Organization
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CONTENTS
1. THE FISHERIES SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
Contribution to the National Economy
Resource Base
Government Institutions dealing with Fisheries
2. MIDTERM REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FISHERIES SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY 2010 – 2013 (FSDS) AND EVALUATION OF ITS OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES
2.1.
2.2.
Objectives of FSDS
Outputs and Outcomes
2.2.1. Marine Fisheries
2.2.1.1. Production Targets
2.2.1.2. Interventions
2.2.2. Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture
2.2.2.1. Production Targets
2.2.2.2. Interventions
2.2.3. Midterm Progress of Achievements of National Fish Production Targets
2.2.4. Fish Marketing
2.2.5. Export Fisheries & Aquaculture
2.2.5.1. Production Systems
2.2.5.2. Midterm Progress
2.2.6. Fishing Community
2.2.6.1. Enhancement of Socio-Economic Status
3. ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS ENCOUNTERED IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF FSDS
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.
Budgetary Allocations
Marine Fisheries
Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture
Research
Fish Marketing
Fish Exports
4. ROADMAP 2013 – 2016
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
4.7.
4.8.
Policy Directions
Specific Objectives and Targets
Major Issues and Constraints
Strategies for Achievement of Objectives
Research
Implementation
International Cooperation
Investment
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1. THE FISHERIES SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW
1.1. Contribution to the National Economy
Fishing has been an important economic activity in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka since time
immemorial. Fish has been the main source of animal protein for the masses throughout the history.
Fisheries have also been a source of government revenue particularly during the colonial era. Fishing
that had been confined to coastal waters prior to 1960s, has since then expanded over the offshore
and deep-sea waters, and inland waters. Fisheries have also become a source of employment not
only in the coastal belt of the country, but also in the inland reservoir districts. Fisheries also
contribute to the national economy as a source of foreign exchange.
The fisheries industry has over the years contributed on an average 1.2% to the GDP. It has provided
employment both directly and indirectly to over 600,000 persons. The national fish production in
2011 was 444, 830 MT, comprising 385,270 MT of marine fish and 59,560 MT of inland fish. The
country earned an amount of Rs. 21,876 million in foreign exchange in 2009 by exporting and fish
and other fishery products. Fish contributes about 70 percent to the animal protein intake of the
masses.
National Fish Production 2011 (MT)
Marine
Coastal
Offshore & deep-sea
Sub-total
Inland & Aquaculture
Inland
Fish aquaculture
Shrimp aquaculture
Sub-total
Total
Operational Fishing Fleet 2011
Marine
222,350
162,920
385,270
Multiday
Single-day (with inboard engine)
FRP (with outboard motor)
Traditional modified with motor
Traditional
Sub-total
50,050
5,360
4,150
59,560
Inland
3,872
1,120
19,890
2,960
20,430
48,272
8,030
444,830
Medical authorities recommend an annual per-capita consumption of 22 kg of fish to satisfy the
minimum requirement of animal protein for a person. With the objective of reaching this level of fish
availability, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development envisages increasing the
national fish production to 685,000 MT by 2013. This is an increase over 100 % compared to the
2009 level, which was 339,000 MT. MFARD also envisaged increasing fish exports to 36,000 MT by
2013 from a level of 18,000 MT in 2009 again an increase of 100 %. With the cessation of the three
decade long civil war in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, rich fishery resources in those areas
have become accessible and therefore achievement of these targets will not be difficult. The advent
of peace has also increased the investors’ confidence and thereby the potential in private sector
investments in fisheries.
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1.2. Resource Base
The marine fisheries resource base of Sri Lanka comprises a territorial sea of 21,500 sq km, an
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 517,000 sq km, and lagoons and estuaries of 1580 sq km. The
country also has an inland fisheries resource base of 5200 sq km that includes irrigation reservoirs,
hydro-electric reservoirs, perennial village tanks, seasonal tanks and natural waterholes known as
villus.
Figure 1 - The Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone
1.3. Government Institutions dealing with Fisheries
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD)
MFARD is the ministry of the central government entrusted with the responsibility of development
and management of the fisheries sector. MFARD formulates the national fisheries development
strategy and the implementation plan generally for a period of six years or the duration of the
respective government. MFARD also directly implements programmes and projects for enhancing
the country’s fishing capacity, welfare of fisher communities, provision of social infrastructure for
fishing villages, promotion of private sector investments, promotion of fishery product exports, and
externally funded special projects for development of fisheries. The processes of enactment of new
acts, amendment of existing acts, and promulgation of regulations are also initiated and serviced by
MFARD. To undertake different activities concerning management and development of fisheries the
following government institutions have been established.
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR)
DFAR is the department of the central government responsible for management, regulation and
conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources. Established in 1940 under the provisions of the
Fisheries Ordinance (Law No. 24 of 1940), which has now been repealed, it enforces provisions of
the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 and Fisheries (Regulation of Foreign Fishing
Boats) Act, No. 59 of 1979. DFAR also undertakes monitoring and surveillance activities in the sea
and helps the fishers in distress. It has a network of district offices located in all coastal districts.
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Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC)
CFC has been established in 1964 under the State Industrial Corporations Act, No. 49 of 1957 for
marketing of fish without prejudice to either the producer or the consumer, and provision of inputs
required for the fishing industry. Since late 1980s CFC functions as a self-financing organization and
performs its functions in competition with the private sector. It has a 1000-ton cold-room complex at
the Colombo Mutwal fishery harbor, and runs over 250 sales outlets in all cities and major towns.
Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC)
CFHC has been established in 1962 also under the State Industrial Corporations Act, No. 49 of 1957.
CFHC’s role includes planning, construction, and maintenance of fishery harbours and anchorages.
Currently it manages 17 fishery harbours and 40 anchorages. In addition a large fishery harbor that
can accommodate 400 multi-day vessels is being constructed at Dickowita (north of the Kelani river
estuary). It has four dredgers – a grab-hopper, and three cutter suction dredgers – and a host of
heavy machinery required for construction and maintenance of fishery harbours and anchorages. It
also provides security services to MFARD and institutions under the purview of MFARD.
National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA)
NARA has been established in 1982 under the National Aquatic Resources Research and
Development Agency Act, No. 54 of 1981 for the purpose of conducting research and providing
advisory and consultancy services on scientific, technological and legal matters relating to
exploitation, management, conservation and development of aquatic resources. Its scope covers
marine biological resources, inland aquatic resources and aquaculture, fishing technology, postharvest technology, environmental studies, oceanography, information technology and
hydrography. Apart from its main research centre located in Colombo, it runs three regional research
centres at Kadolkele (Negombo), Kalpitiya, and Rekawa.
National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NAQDA)
NAQDA has been established in 1998 under the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri
Lanka Act, No. 53 of 1998. NAQDA’s functions include development and management of the
aquaculture industry, and inland fisheries, which are generally culture-based. It operates nine
regional aquaculture development centres that provide seed-fish and extension services required for
culture-based inland fisheries and aquaculture, a shrimp-farm monitoring unit, and a central
aquaculture training facility located at Kalawewa.
Ceynor Foundation Ltd. (CNFL)
CNFL is a government owned company registered under the Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007. It
manufactures and supplies fishing craft and gear. CNFL has to function in competition with the
private sector. It operates three boatyards, which are located at Mutwal, Payagala and Karainagar
and manufacture multi-day fishing vessels. Earlier it also operated two fish net factories, one at
Lunuwila and the other at Weerawila, but these have now been handed over to North-Sea Ltd,
which is also a government owned company functioning under the Ministry of Small Industries .
National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering (NIFNE)
NIFNE established by the National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering Act, No. 36 of 1999
for the purpose of developing manpower for fisheries and other maritime activities. It was originally
functioning under the purview of MFARD, but currently functions under the purview of the Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Skills Development. Eight colleges are functioning under NIFNE at Mattakkuliya,
Negombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Tangalle, Galle and Kalutara. It runs three types of
programmes – certificate courses, diploma courses and degree courses in fisheries and marine
science, marine engineering, boat building and naval architecture, fiberglass technology, aquaculture
and fisheries management. The Government is in the process of upgrading the status of NIFNE to
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that of a university. It will be named the Ocean University, and its scope will be widened to cover
ports, marine transport, non-living marine resources, etc. in addition to fisheries and aquaculture. It
has been proposed to set up this university at Kalametiya in the district of Hambantota.
Central Fish Market Complex, Peliyagoda
Established in 2010 this is one of the most modern central fish marketing complexes in Asia. It has all
facilities required for trade and hygienic handling of fish. It caters to whole-sale dealers, retailers and
exporters. It is run by a Trust appointed by MFARD.
Infrastructure Facilities in the
Fisheries Sector
Fishery harbours
18
Anchorages
40
Minor landing sites
860
Ice plants
82
Cold rooms
29
Boatyards
54
Fishing gear factories
6
Fish processing plants:
- EU approved
25
- Other
5
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2. MIDTERM REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FISHERIES SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY 2010-2013 (FSDS) AND EVALUATION OF ITS OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES
2.1. Objectives of FSDS
MFARD formulated FSDS in accordance with the national policy stipulated in the government policy
document, Mahinda Chintana Forward Vision. In formulation of fish production targets in FSDS, it
was assumed that by 2015 the Sri Lankan population would be 21.67 million. Fish production
projections in FSDS were made taking 2009 as the base year. The major objectives of the strategy
were as follows.
1. Increase per capita fish availability by 2013 to 60 g per day, which is the amount
recommended by the Medical Research Institute for per capita consumption to satisfy the
animal protein requirements of a person.
2. Increase the national fish production to 685,690 MT by 2013.
3. Establish price competitiveness of fish by promoting competitive marketing.
4. Increase the volume of fish exports to 36,700 MT by 2013 and thereby increase foreign
exchange earnings.
5. Increase the living standards and socio-economic status of the fisher community through
social empowerment, livelihood diversification, and improvement of civic amenities and
infrastructure.
6. Manage fisheries on a sustainable basis with due recognition to obligations under the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international treaties concerning
fisheries, bio-diversity and marine environment.
FSDS has proposed the interventions in Table 1 below to achieve the above objectives.
Table 1 – Objectives of FSDS and Interventions Proposed to Achieve the Objectives
Objective
1. Increase per capita fish availability by
2013 to 60 g per day, which is the
amount recommended by the
Medical Research Institute for per
capita consumption to satisfy the
animal protein requirements of a
person.
2. Increase the national fish production
to 685,690 MT by 2013.
3. Establish price competitiveness of fish
by promoting competitive marketing.
Interventions Proposed
1.1. Increase the national fish production (vide Objective 2 below).
2.1. Increase the fishing effort in the coastal and offshore/deepsea subsectors by increasing the fleet size.
2.2. Rehabilitate the fishing activities in the Northern Province.
2.3. Reactivate the non-operational beach seines.
2.4. Enhance fish stocks in perennial tanks and seasonal tanks by
intensifying the fish-seed stocking programmes.
3.1. Increase the share of the market handled by the CFC and
increase CFC sales outlets.
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4. Increase the volume of fish exports to
36,700 MT by 2013 and thereby
increase foreign exchange earnings.
5. Reduce post-harvest losses.
6. Increase the living standards and
socio-economic status of the fisher
community
through
social
empowerment,
livelihood
diversification, and improvement of
civic amenities and infrastructure.
7. Manage fisheries on a sustainable
basis.
8. Orient the industry to conform to the
obligations under the UN Law of the
Sea
Convention
and
other
international treaties related to
fisheries.
4.1. Increase the production of exportable fish like tunas by
enhanced deep- fishing.
4.2. Expand shrimp aquaculture.
4.3. Enhance production of non-traditional products like seaweed,
sea-cucumber, mussel and oyster, sea-bass and ornamental fish
that have export potential.
5.1. Improve or establish infrastructure facilities required for
quality maintenance of fish.
5.2. Promote the use of chilled seawater or refrigerated seawater
in multiday boats.
6.1. Provide fisher communities with basic amenities and housing.
6.2. Organize fishers under a national federation.
6.3. Provide alternative livelihoods.
6.4. Introduce an effective fisher pension scheme.
6.5. Enhance access to credit by introducing soft credit schemes.
7.1. Identify more fisheries management areas and introduce comanagement.
7.2. Enhance action against destructive fishing methods.
7.3. Establish a vessel monitoring system and act against IUU
fishing.
7.4. Enhance regional co-operation in fisheries management.
8.1. Implement resolutions adopted by IOTC and FAO Code of
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
2.2. Outputs and Outcomes
2.2.1. Marine Fisheries
2.2.1.1. Production Targets
Traditionally marine fisheries have been the most important economic sector in the coastal belt of
Sri Lanka, both in terms of the value of the product, and contribution to the livelihoods. It has also
significantly contributed to export earnings of the country. It has two subsectors – coastal fisheries,
and offshore/deep-sea fisheries that also include high-seas fisheries. FSDS has fixed the following
targets for marine fish production (Table 2).
Table 2 - Marine Fisheries Production Targets (MT)
Coastal fisheries
Offshore/Deep-sea fisheries
Total production
2009
180,410
112,760
293,170
2010
197,400
151,900
349,300
2011
216,000
200,200
416,200
2012
236,370
259,530
495,900
2013
258,600
332,300
590,900
2.2.1.2. Interventions
Enhancement of Fishing Effort in Marine Waters
FSDS envisaged increasing the fishing effort both in coastal fisheries and offshore/deep-sea fisheries
by introducing new craft of all categories, i.e. traditional craft, motorized traditional craft (traditional
10
craft modified by fixing outboard motors), OFRP boats (fiberglass reinforced plastic boats fitted with
outboard motors), IDAY boats (single-day boats fitted with inboard engines), multi-day boats, and
beach seines. Table 3 gives the composition of the fishing fleet in 2009 and the expected annual
increase up to 2013.
Table 3 – The Fishing Fleet: Strength in 2009 and Expected Annual Increase 2010-2013
Type of Craft
Traditional craft
Motorized
traditional craft
OFRP boats
IDAY boats
Multi-day boats
Beach seines
Strength in
2009
18,243
2,126
2010
267
183
17,193
958
2,934
340
50
80 + 32¹
150²
Expected Annual Increase
2011
2012
760
290
100
100 + 68¹
190²
1,227
100
180
-
2013
779
1,000
100
156
-
¹ No. of non-operative multiday boats expected to recommence operation.
² No. of non-operational beach seines expected to recommence operation.
Rehabilitation of Fisheries in the Northern Province
Marine waters off the Northern Province are rich in fish resources. However, due to the 30 year long
war it has not been possible to optimally exploit these resources. After the war, a programme was
commenced for rehabilitation of the fishing fleet and fishery infrastructure facilities in the Northern
Province. Table 4 gives the fishing fleet development plan for the Northern Province.
Table 4 – Fishing Fleet Development Plan for the Northern Province
Boat category
OFRP boats
IDAY boats
New Introductions
2011
1050
100
2010
500
-
2012
1227
100
2013
1779
100
Midterm progress of implementation of the interventions to increase the national fish production
from the coastal and offshore/deep-sea subsectors is given in Table 5. Figures include progress of
the interventions made for rehabilitation of fisheries in the Northern Province too.
Table 5 – Midterm Progress of Expansion of the Fishing Fleet in Coastal and Offshore/Deep-Sea
Subsectors
Expansion of the Fishing Fleet
Traditional craft, IDAY,MTRB,NTRB
OFRP boats (with boats under the
Plan for the Northern Province)
IDAY boats (with boats under the
Plan for the Northern Province)
Multi-day boats (with reactivated
boats)
Beach seines (with reactivated
seines)
2010
2011
Target
40,000
550
Achievement
33,030 (83 %)
414 (75 %)
Target
38,500
1340
Achievement
34,246 (89 %)
10,134
-
-
100
Nil (0%)
112
98 (88 %)
168
157 (93 %)
150
98 (65 %)
190
153 (80 %)
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Fuel Subsidy
When the Government had to increase fuel prices in 2012 fishing boats were provided with a onetime subsidy at the rate of LKR 31,200 per multi-day boat, LKR 19,200 per IDAY boat, and LKR 9,375
per OFRP and motorized traditional boat. The total amount paid under the fuel subsidy scheme was
LKR 286.4 million.
Policy Reforms
The following policy reforms were also made by making regulations under provisions of the Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources Act or other Acts where relevant.







Declaration of more fisheries management areas to undertake fisheries co-management
Cancellation of fees levied for registration and renewal of registration of fishing boats,
issuance of fishing operation licenses, issuance of permits for collection, transport, keeping
in possession, trade, export, etc. as applicable for lobster, chank and sea-cucumber
Banning of the use, possession, import, transport, purchase or sale of monofilament nets
Banning of trawl fishing operations except by non-mechanized canoes
Compulsion of the use of live-jackets in fishing boats
Exemption of the sector from paying income tax for a period of 5 years
Provision of a fuel subsidy
These reforms were made with the objective of preventing over-exploitation of fishery resources
and enhancing their management, preventing fishing disputes among different fisher groups,
reducing costs related to fishing, protecting of fishers from accidents in sea and encouraging
investments in the sector. These policy changes are also applicable to inland fisheries where
relevant.
Other Initiatives
FSDS included some other initiatives like encouragement of small-scale fishers particularly IDAY boat
fishers to change their fishing gear by replacing gillnet with long-line, and carry fish holder boxes
with ice onboard etc. Objectives of these initiatives were to introduce selective fishing, which is
more resource-friendly, and enhance the quality of fish landed. Fishers were also helped with
subsidized bank loans to procure larger boats (20 – 30 m) capable of fishing in international waters.
However, these initiatives have not been successful as fishers have continued to resort to their old
practices without changing to recommended practices.
Figure 2 - Interventions proposed in FSDS for Marine Fisheries
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Introduction of
small scale
fishing vessels
Integrated
awareness
creation
Divi
Naguma
Programme
Organization of
fishers at local,
district & natioal
levels
Marine
Introduction of
multi-day long
line boats
Re-activation of nonoperational beach
seines and multi-day
boats
Fisheries
Encouragement
of private sector
investments
Policy changes,
rivision of the Act
and regulations
Loan schemes,
pension scheme and
insurance schemes
Encouragement of the
use of long lines
CSW/RSW in multiday boats and quality
handling practices
Value
addition to
production
2.2.2. Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture
2.2.2.1. Production Targets
Compared to fish produced by marine fisheries, fish produced by inland fisheries and inland
aquaculture is cheaper, and helps maintain fish prices within a reasonable range. Thus inland
fisheries benefit particularly the rural poor and the estate sector who cannot afford to consume
marine fish by providing them with an alternative source of animal protein, which is cheap. Inland
fisheries also provide livelihoods to the rural communities in the interior districts. Aquaculture,
particularly coastal aquaculture also contributes to export earnings through the production of
exportable aquaculture products such as shrimp, sea-bass, etc. Table 6 gives the production targets
fixed by FSDS for its period of implementation.
Table 6 – Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Production Targets (MT)
Inland fisheries
Inland aquaculture
Coastal aquaculture
Total
2009
39,030
3,980
3,550
46,560
2010
46,600
4,700
4,200
55,500
13
2011
55,700
5,700
5,000
66,400
2012
66,500
6,800
6,000
79,300
2013
79,500
8,100
7,200
94,800
2.2.2.2. Interventions
Stocking of Perennial Reservoirs with Seed-fish
FSDS envisaged implementing several activities to achieve the targets fixed for inland fisheries
production. Emphasis was given to perennial reservoirs since they make the biggest contribution to
inland fisheries production. In 2010 major and medium perennial reservoirs produced 55 % of the
total inland fisheries production, while minor perennial reservoirs produced 22 %. To enhance the
fishable stocks in the perennial reservoirs, selected reservoirs were stocked with fish fingerlings, and
their management was improved with the support of the fisher community. Management of the
stocks in these reservoirs was also significantly increased. Table 7 gives the target and achievement
of seed-fish production, while Table 8 gives the total number of seed fish stocked in reservoirs and
the amount of fish produced from reservoirs.
Table 7 – Seed-fish Production (million)
Target
Achievement
2009
29
27.9 (96 %)
2010
30
34.9 (116 %)
2011
42
44.8 (107 %)
2012
55
23.4 (Jan-Jul)
Table 8 – Fisheries in Perennial Reservoirs
Total Area (ha)
2009
2010
2011
No. of Seed-fish Stocked
(million)
21.99
26.48
35.08
95,331
100,999
96,651
Fish Production (MT)
39,030
44,380
50,050
Utilization of Seasonal Reservoirs for Inland Aquaculture
Seasonal reservoirs scattered in the dry zone of the country provide good potential for fish
production through inland aquaculture. Table 9 gives the number and total area of seasonal
reservoirs used for aquaculture and fish production obtained.
Table 9 – Aquaculture in Seasonal Reservoirs
2009
2010
2011
No. of Tanks
334
450
535
Total area (ha)
3,329
4,675
5,885
Fish Production (MT)
3,930
4,490
5,360
Utilization of Abandoned Shrimp Ponds for Alternative Coastal Aquaculture
A large number of brackish-water ponds covering an estimated extent 2500 ha, which had been used
a few years back for shrimp farming remains abandoned. NAQDA has identified that these shrimp
ponds could be utilized for aquaculture of alternative species such as milkfish, sea-bass and tilapia,
which are cultivable in brackish-water ponds. However, the lack of fish seed has become be a major
constraint for this. To overcome this problem NAQDA has taken steps to establish hatcheries for
production of milkfish and sea-bass seed through public-private partnerships. Breeding in captivity
of these two species is in progress and it is anticipated that their commercial-scale breeding would
be possible by the end of 2012.
Utilization of Estate Ponds for Pond Aquaculture
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It has been identified that estate ponds has the potential for production of fish through pond
aquaculture. Currently only around 60 MT of fish is produced annually by estate ponds. It is
proposed to develop culture of freshwater fish and freshwater prawn in 350 estate ponds in 2012
under the Divi Neguma programme. It has been estimated that this programme will produce 350 MT
of fish.
Rehabilitation of Inland Fisheries in the Northern Province
Under this programme 640 Nos. of canoes with the required gillnets were provided to fishers in 35
perennial tanks. These reservoirs produced 810 MT of fish in 2010. With the expansion of the fishing
effort and improvement of management it is expected that the fish production from these reservoirs
would increase significantly. Additionally, two lagoons namely, Nandikadal and Chundikulam were
identified for stock enhancement with shrimps on a pilot scale. Stock enhancement of Nandikadal
Lagoon is already under progress while that of Chundikulam Lagoon was expected to commence in
2012. Expected annual fish production from Nandikadal and Chundikulam lagoons are 13 MT and
180 MT respectively. The production may increase with the stocking of shrimps and improved
management.
Shrimp Aquaculture
The area under shrimp aquaculture in 2010 and 2011 was around 1200 ha and 1600 ha respectively.
In 2010 shrimp production from aquaculture was 3480 MT. In 2011, the shrimp aquaculture
production increased to 4150 MT, which was 86 % the target fixed for the year. Recurrence of whitespot disease and impacts of climate change seemed to have affected shrimp farming quite adversely.
A further factor negatively impacting on shrimp farming development in accordance with the
planned schedule was the issues related to release of lands to investors and resultant delays. In year
2011, some progress was made in Batticaloa as several abandoned shrimp farms in Ottamavadi and
Kokadicholei were revitalized and put back into operation. NAQDA has set up a shrimp hatchery at
Puddikudirippu to produce shrimp post-larvae required for farming in that area. By mid 2012, the
NAQDA hatchery had supplied a total of 9 million of post-larvae to shrimp farms in Ottamavadi and
Kokadicholei.
Non-traditional Aquaculture
This is one of the newly emerging aquaculture systems that have the potential to contribute
significantly to the economic development of the country. Several pilot projects on sea- cucumber
fattening, sea-bass cage culture and oyster culture have become successful. Under an MOU signed
with the Government of Vietnam, an expert is scheduled to visit in November 2012 to design a seacucumber hatchery, which is proposed to be established at Olethuduvai in the Mannar district. A
seaweed seed bank for Euchema is being established by a Japanese investor and its production is
expected to commence soon. One of the prominent biscuit manufacturers in the country (Munchi
Biscuit Ltd.) is engaged in seaweed farming with the involvement of the community in
Punichchankerni, Batticaloa.
Culture of Indigenous Food Fish
NAQDA has also commenced a programme to conserve and develop species of food fish that are
indigenous to Sri Lanka. Under this programme, brood-stocks of mahsier (lella), freshwater shark
(walaya), stinging-catfish (hunga) and butter-catfish (walapoththa) are being maintained at the
Aquaculture Development Centres. Attempts to breed stinging-catfish and butter-catfish in captivity
at the Inginiyagala Fish Breeding Centre have been successful.
Strengthening of Extension Network
15
At present there are 285 CBOs associated with inland fisheries aquaculture. With the objective of
providing improved extension services to fish farmers and inland fishers NAQDA has strengthened its
extension services by appointing or newly recruiting the required manpower, which includes 3
Directors, 4 Asst. Directors, 11 Aquaculturists, 31 Aquaculture Extension Officers and 7 Aquaculture
Assistants.
Enhancement of Fish-Seed Production
Infrastructure facilities necessary for an enhanced fish-seed production programme are being
developed. Fish fingerling production is conducted in accordance with a preplanned programme,
and targets have been achieved 100 %.
2.2.3. Midterm Progress of Achievement of the National Fish Production Targets
National fish production statistics indicate that a significant progress has been made in increasing
the fish production both from the marine fisheries sector and inland fisheries and aquaculture sector
in 2010 and 2011 (Table 10).
Table 10 – Midterm Progress of Marine Fisheries Production (MT)
Coastal fisheries
Offshore/Deep-sea fisheries
Total marine fisheries
production
Inland fisheries &
aquaculture
Total national fish
production
Production
in 2009
180,410
112,760
293,170
Target
197,400
151,900
349,300
2010
Achievement
202,420 (102 %)
129,840 (85 %)
332,260 (95 %)
Target
216,000
200,200
416,200
2011
Achievement
222,350 (103 %)
162,920 (81 %)
385,270 (93 %)
46,560
55,500
52,410 (94 %)
66,400
59,560 (90 %)
339,730
404,800
384,670 (95 %)
482,600
444,830 (92 %)
Compared to the total marine fish production in 2009, the total marine fish production in 2010 and
2011 has increased by 11 % and 31 % respectively. Similarly compared to 2009, inland fisheries &
aquaculture production has increased by 13 % and 28 % respectively. Compared to 2009 the national
fish production shows a growth of 13 % and 30 % in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
2.2.4. Fish Marketing
The major share of fish marketing in Sri Lanka is handled by the private sector while less than 10 % is
handled by CFC. In order to ensure that the fish prices are affordable to consumers by strengthening
the competition in the fish market, certain degree of market interventions through CFC is necessary.
With the involvement of CFC on fish purchasing and selling, it is also envisaged that the margins kept
by middlemen at the undue expense of the fishers as well as the consumers can be reduced.
However, CFC has not been able to influence fish prices due to the fact that the volume of fish
handled by CFC is insignificant. Being a government agency, it is difficult for CFC to compete with the
private sector, as it cannot provide credit to fishers when they request, and adjust fish prices
frequently as required by the market. The weak liquidity position of the CFC, its deteriorated
infrastructure facilities and substandard retail outlets are some of its other disadvantages. Taking
these drawbacks into consideration, some measures such as opening and refurbishment of outlets,
upgrading infrastructure facilities and opening new purchasing centers have been implemented as
given in FSDS. However, these measures have not proved adequate to compete with the private
sector. Table 11 gives the number of new fish stalls set up by CFC.
16
Table 11 - No. of New Fish Stalls set up by CFC
2009
2010
2011
48
75
103
2.2.5. Export Fisheries and Aquaculture
2.2.5.1. Production Systems
The fisheries sector has emerged over decades as an important source of foreign exchange to the
country. The important export products include tuna, shrimp, lobster, ornamental fish and sharkfins, which fetch high values and traditional products such as sea cucumber and chank. Tuna, lobster
and shark-fins are essentially products of marine fishing, while shrimp and ornamental fish are
produced both by fishing and aquaculture. Private sector companies have significantly invested in
infrastructure facilities such as deep-sea fishing vessels with onboard cooling facilities, fish
processing factories, shrimp farms and ornamental fish farms. The Government has set up a Fish
Product Quality Control Unit in DFAR with highly trained staff to ensure that the quality and safety of
fish products produced for export meet the international requirements. Export fisheries and
aquaculture also have provided a significant number of employment opportunities to different
categories – graduates, technicians, office workers, skilled and non-skilled labourers, security
personnel, etc.
As tunas are deep-sea fish, their production needs larger boats equipped with onboard fish
preservation facilities. Therefore increasing its production volume requires high capital investments.
FAO, IOTC and other regional fishery management organizations have expressed concern over
sustainability of the shark-fin industry. Even the lobster fishery, sea-cucumber fishery, marine
ornamental-fish fishery and chank fishery have to be managed carefully in order to prevent overexploitation. Therefore there is no much scope for increasing the volumes of most export fishery
products except those which could be produced by aquaculture such as shrimp and freshwater
ornamental fish. Further increasing volumes of export fish products may affect the local supplies of
fish. Therefore other options like value addition, enhancement of quality, environmental
certification and organic certification, development of new export products, etc. have to be used for
increasing export incomes. It is also necessary to meet Sri Lanka’s international commitments like
prevention of IUU fishing and protection of sea turtles and marine mammals in order to sustain the
important international markets like the EU market and US market for our fishery products.
2.2.5.2. Midterm Progress
FSDS has not fixed specific targets for export development. However, it has envisaged the following
volumes to be exported during its period (Table 12).
Table 12 – Envisaged Fish Export Volumes
Volume of Exports (MT)
2009
18,199
2010
21,700
2011
25,855
2012
30,800
Table 13 gives the total export volumes and incomes during the period 2009 – 2011.
Table 13 – Export Volumes and Values
Export Volume (MT)
2009
Export Value
LKR million
USD million
21,015
183
18,714
17
2013
36,700
2010
2011
18,325
18,462
19,834
21,876
175
167
The Table indicates that that there has not been any significant development of fish exports since
2009. Although the volume has remained more or less the same, the value in USD terms has slightly
but continuously reduced.
2.2.6. Fishing Community
2.2.6.1. Enhancement of Socio-economic Status
Several new programmes have been designed and commenced implementation for the purpose of
enhancing the socio-economic status of the fisher community, in addition to conventional activities
like provision of sanitary facilities and improvement of social infrastructure in fishery villages. These
new programmes are the organization of fishers under an all-island fisheries federation with tiers at
local level and district level, introduction of a fisheries pension scheme, and introduction of a
fisheries insurance scheme. Further under the Divineguma Programme fisher community members
are provided with loans to commence micro-projects. Table 14 gives the targets fixed for the new
programmes.
Table 14 – Programmes for Socio-Economic Enhancement of Fisher Community
Programme
Organization of fishers
Fisheries pension Scheme
Fisheries insurance scheme
Divineguma
Indicator
No. of societies
No. of members
No. of boats
No. of micro-projects
18
2009
2010
2039
3210
Target
2011
2012
2013
3019
1500
3252
2000
5000
8000
3000
3. ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS ENCOUNTERED IN THE PROCESS OF
IMPLEMENTATION OF FSDS
3.1. Budgetary Allocations
Major activities of FSDS were expansion and improvement of the coastal and offshore/deep-sea
fishing fleet, development of fishery infrastructure and procurement of equipment, development of
inland fisheries & aquaculture, and physical facilities for fish marketing. Table 15 gives the budgetary
estimates made for implementation of these activities.
Table 15 – Budgetary Estimates for Implementation of Major Activities of FSDS (LKR million)
Activity
Enhancement of the coastal & offshore/deep-sea fishing
fleets
Inland fisheries & aquaculture
Infrastructure and equipment
Fish marketing
Total
2010
42.25
2011
41.33
2012
95.50
2013
41.80
81.00
3,237.71
1,872.00
5,232.96
101.58
1,116.87
3,734.00
4,993.78
186.45
995.50
7,725.00
9,002.45
192.00
200.00
16,957.00
17,390.80
However, the amount allocated by the Treasury was significantly lower than the estimates of most
activities. Table 16 gives the budgetary allocations made by the Treasury for implementation of
major activities of FSDS, and shortfall between the estimates and the allocations.
Table 16 – Budgetary Allocations made by the Treasury for Implementation of Major Activities of
FSDS with Shortfall between the Estimates and Allocations (LKR million)
Activity
Enhancement of the coastal &
offshore/deep-sea fishing fleets
Inland fisheries & aquaculture
Infrastructure and equipment
Fish marketing
Total
2010
Allocation
Shortfall
37.73
4.53
50.00
3595.13
1195.94
4878.80
31.00
(357.42)
676.06
354.17
2011
Allocation
Shortfall
29.55
11.78
50.00
704.90
1829.80
2614.25
51.58
411.97
1904.20
2379.53
2012
Allocation Shortfall
83.20
12.30
91.00
1007.50
1181.70
95.45
(12.00)
7725.00
7820.75
3.2. Marine Fisheries
FSDS proposed to increase of large vessels capable of engaging in high-sea fisheries. However, it was
not possible to attract investments in offshore/deep-sea subsector. Even attempts to establish jointventures with CFC for high-sea fishing were not successful. It is proposed to amend the State
Industrial Corporation Act, No. 49 of 1957 with a view to making provisions that will enable CFC to
establish joint-ventures in order to facilitate deployment of a fleet comprising larger boats of over 24
m for high-sea fishing.
Although FSDS envisaged in increasing the multi-day fishing fleet in the EEZ, fishers have found it
difficult to invest in multi-day boats owing to the high capital and operational costs involved.
According to the government policy no foreign vessels are allowed to fish in the EEZ. Therefore the
19
available option is to encourage local entrepreneurs to invest in multi-day vessels by providing
subsidized bank loans.
It has also not been possible to induce fishers to replace gillnet with long-line, carry ice onboard the
boats, etc. as envisaged. Accordingly moves to enhance management of resources through the
replacement of gillnet with long-lines, and quality of fish landed to suit export market requirements
have failed affecting the envisaged increase in export earnings.
In the coastal fisheries subsector, fish production from the Western, South-Western and the
Southern segments appears to have already reached or be fast reaching the maximum sustainable
yield levels. Therefore further increases of coastal fish production could come only from the
Northern and the Eastern coastal segments. This means that the coastal fisheries subsector needs
careful management in order to prevent over-exploitation. However, it is doubtful whether the
present management regime could ensure sustainability of the coastal fisheries resources. Although
legal provisions available are adequate to manage the coastal fisheries, it has not been possible to
control the rate of proliferation of small boats and the use of resource destructive fishing methods.
The main reason for this situation is the open access policy adopted for fisheries, shortage of
management staff and the lack of physical resources such as vehicles and monitoring boats.
3.3. Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
Many areas of the country had experienced heavy rains during 2010 and early part of 2011, and as a
result most reservoirs had spilled over and particularly small perennial reservoirs and seasonal
reservoirs had suffered damages. In addition, seed-fish production did not reach the expected levels,
and therefore the programme for stocking of reservoirs with seed-fish could not be implemented as
planned. An intensive and integrated programme that includes reconstruction of damaged
reservoirs, periodic stocking of reservoirs with seed-fish, provision of boats and fishing gear and
provision of extension services needed to be implemented to rehabilitate inland fisheries and
aquaculture in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. This programme suffered due to lack of
manpower and physical resources. Further in the absence of fish hatcheries in the respective areas,
seed-fish required for stocking of reservoirs had to be obtained from hatcheries in other areas such
as Dambulla and Udawalawa. Due to the long distances involved in transport and limitation of the
production capacities in the breeding centers, reservoirs could not be stocked adequately. Further,
brood stocks have not been subjected to genetic improvement, and that has resulted in lower
performance in breeding. All these have affected the productivity of reservoir fisheries.
3.4. Research
Aquatic resources research and development is one of the most significant services required for
fisheries sector development. However, due to several institutional weaknesses, the aquatic
resources research and development services in the country have not been able to contribute
adequately to the development of fisheries sector. The scientific research on aquatic resource
development has not identified addressed the crucial issues in development of the fisheries sector.
Further, the research initiatives have not been adequate. There is a vacuum between the scientific
research and development activities in the fisheries sector. This weakness could mainly be seen in
the poor communication that has prevented even the limited research findings from dissemination
to the prospective users.
3.5. Fish Marketing
FSDS has envisaged enhancing the market share of CFC with a view to controlling fish prices, so that
20
the prices would remain within the reach of the consumer. However, due to lack of capital and
management deficiencies, CFC has not been able to increase its market share substantially as FSDS
has envisaged.
3.6. Fish Exports
Since 2010, major international market partners of Sri Lanka such as EU has imposed stringent
regulations on fish imports and have introduced a catch certification system to curtail IUU fishing. In
addition the RFMOs such as IOTC exert heavy pressure on its member countries to curtail IUU fishing
by means of introducing compliance requirement on fishing and fish export. This situation has led to
a state of affairs which is unfavorable to increase fish exports.
21
4. ROADMAP 2013 – 2016
4.1. Policy Directions
The policy guidelines given in Mahinda Chintana Vision for the Future - The Development Policy
Framework of the Government of Sri Lanka in regard to development of the fisheries sector were
used as the guiding principles for preparation of the Roadmap 2013. The directions given in Mahinda
Chintana are as follows.
“The fisheries development policy aims at exploiting the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources in a
sustainable manner, while conserving the coastal environment. The government is targeting selfsufficiency in the national fish supply and a significant increase in fish exports. The key components
of policy direction are specified as follows.

Diversification of production and exploitation of offshore and deep sea fisheries resources
through the introduction of modern technology giving high priority to efficient fishing
methods. It is also planned to reduce pressure on coastal resources through the
implementation of fisheries management programmes.

Sri Lanka possesses suitable water bodies throughout the country for developing a viable
inland fishing. Thus developments of freshwater capture fisheries and aquaculture in
inland water bodies have also been identified as a viable industry. This can be implemented
through increasing fish seed production and introducing them into minor and seasonal
tanks with the support of community based fisheries management.

High post harvest losses and lack of knowledge in handling of fish have been identified as a
serious impediment to marketing and producer price in the fishing industry. The
requirement of prevention of such losses has been given priority in the development plan.

Inadequate and poorly managed fisheries infrastructure has considerably slowed down the
development of the fishing industry. Hence, infrastructure facilities will be improved to
exploit the fish resources and reduce post harvest losses.”
Commitments made by Sri Lanka under the UN Law of the Sea Convention and international treaties
concerning conservation and management of marine fisheries resources, protection of marine
environment and conservation of biodiversity, and requirements of international markets were also
taken into consideration in the development of strategies to meet the goals given in Mahinda
Chintana Vision for the Future.
4.2. Specific Objectives and Targets
The specific objectives of the Roadmap are as follows.

To increase the national fish production and per capita availability of fish.

To improve the quality of fish landed and eliminate post-harvest losses or reduce to
insignificant levels.

To increase fish exports.
22

To improve fisheries management to ensure long-term sustainability of the resources.

To improve social-security of the fisher community.
It is expected that the outcome of the achievement of the above targets will be improvement of the
nutritional status of the masses, increased employment opportunities, increased foreign exchange
earnings, improvement of the socio-economic status of the fisher community, and improvement of
physical and social infrastructure. Targets related to the specific objectives of the Roadmap 2013 2015 are given in Table 17.
Table 17 – Targets for Achievement of Objectives of Roadmap 2013 – 2016
Objective Area
National Fish
Production (MT)
Activity Area
Offshore/deep-sea fisheries
Coastal fisheries
Inland fisheries & aquaculture
Coastal aquaculture
Total
Improvement of quality of fish landed and reduction of
post-harvest losses: Indicator daily use of ice (MT)
Fish exports (MT) Offshore/deep-sea products (e.g.
tuna, shark-fins)
Conventional coastal products (e.g.
lobster, crab, sea-cucumber, chank)
Non-conventional coastal products
(e.g. squid, cuttlefish, octopus)
Ornamental fish
Coastal aquaculture products (e.g.
shrimp, sea-bass, seaweed)
Total
Improvement of fisheries management: Indicator No. of
fishery management areas with efficient co-management
Improvement of
Fisheries pension scheme: No
social security of enrolled
the fisher
Fisheries insurance scheme: No.
community
enrolled
Divineguma micro-credit scheme:
No. of loans issued
2013
332,300
258,600
86,800
8,000
685,700
2000
2014
383,200
284,500
96,800
8,900
773,400
2,600
2015
452,900
301,600
105,700
10,000
870,200
3,600
2016
538,900
313,700
116,100
11.200
980,400
5,000
26,000
30,600
39,700
54,400
4,800
5,300
5,700
6,000
100
1,100
2,000
4,000
Not quantified in terms of weight.
5,800
7,000
9,800
15,700
36,700
60
44,000
80
57,200
110
80,100
150
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
4.3. Major Issues and Constraints
The following issues and constraints have been identified by Mahinda Chintana as obstacles in
achievement of the above objectives.
1. The low level of technology is hampering optimal exploitation of deep-sea resources.
2. Investments by the private sector in large-scale infrastructure development and deep-sea
fishing are inadequate.
3. Post-harvest losses are relatively high (30%), and market chain and transport facilities for
fish are poor.
4. Aquatic environment including the coastal environment has degraded and its management
23
is poor.
5. Reliable and up to date marine fisheries and inland fisheries resource data are not available.
6. The fishing capacity is not commensurate with the extent of fisheries resources. Boats
capable of fishing in deep-sea waters account for only 9 % of the total marine fleet, and 43 %
of the operating boats are non-mechanized traditional boats. Most of the other boats are
outboard-engine powered boats.
4.4. Strategies for Achievement of Objectives
Table 18 gives the strategies for achievement of objectives in Roadmap and constraints.
Table 18 – Strategies for Achievement of Objectives of Roadmap 2013 – 2016 and Constraints
Objective
1. To increase the national fish
production and thereby the per
capita availability of fish.
2. To improve the quality of fish
landed and eliminate or reduce
post-harvest
losses
to
insignificant levels.
3. To increase fish exports and
thereby
increase
foreign
exchange earnings.
Strategies
1.1. Increase production
from high-sea fisheries.
Constraints
1.1.1. Lack of larger boats (boats over 24 m)
and technology
1.2. Increase production
from offshore fisheries.
1.2.1. Insufficient multi-day boats
1.2.2. Insufficient harbor facilities to
accommodate multi-day vessels
1.3.1. Large-scale poaching by Indian
fishers.
1.4.1. Continuous increase in fishing effort
due to open-access policy.
1.5.1. Lack of hatchery facilities to produce
large quantities of seed-fish.
1.7.1. Competition from other sectors for
land and water.
2.1.1. Difficulty to change attitudes and
traditional fish handling practices.
1.3. Enhance fishing effort
in North and East.
1.4. Maintain production
from coastal fisheries.
1.5. Increase production
from inland fisheries.
1.6. Increase production
from aquaculture
2.1. Increase awareness of
fishers and fish handlers in
quality maintenance of
fish.
2.2. Develop facilities for
quality handling of fish at
fishery harbours,
anchorages and other
landing sites
2.3. Increase ice supply
and cold chain transport
facilities
2.4. Make and enforce
regulations
3.1. Promote the use of
onboard cooling facilities
such as chilled seawater.
3.2. Promote
establishment of fish
processing facilities with
HACCP and other
international standards.
3.3. Diversify export
fisheries and aquaculture
products
24
2.2.1. High cost of establishment and
maintenance of facilities for quality
handling of fish.
2.3.1. High cost of capital.
3.1.1. High cost of capital.
3.2.1. High cost of capital.
3.3.1. Lack of technology.
4. Improve fisheries management
to ensure long-term sustainability
of the resources.
3.4. Update production
processes to meet
international requirements
4.1. Update legislation to
facilitate management.
4.2. Establish a VMS
system
4.3. Declare more fisher
management areas and
promote co-management.
4.4. Eliminate IUU fishing.
3.4.1. Continuous change of requirements
imposed by importing countries like EU.
4.2.1. High capital and operational cost
4.4.1. Lack of an efficient VMS.
4.5. Research
Research is important in many ways for development of fisheries and aquaculture. To make
decisions concerning management of fisheries and aquaculture resources it is essential to have
information concerning their health and potential for production. To generate this information it is
necessary to conduct periodic resources surveys or assessments. It is also necessary to develop new
technologies which are resource-friendly to harvest resources particularly in high-seas where
competition from other nations is very high. Emerging issues like climatic change also have to be
studied in detail in order to formulate strategies to address them. Consumer preference is changing
and therefore new products have to be developed particularly for the export market to sustain
export income from fish exports. NARA being the lead agency responsible for aquatic resources
research will prepare its research agenda in consultation with all stakeholders in the sector, that
include government agencies involved in management, development and services, fisher
community, private sector companies engaged in fishing, aquaculture and other businesses related
to fisheries and aquaculture, environmental agencies, and NGOs active in the fisheries sector. It will
also provide research information and advisory and consultancy services in an effective manner.
4.6. Implementation
Private sector, both local and foreign will be invited to invest in selected areas, particularly high-sea
fishing, offshore & deep-sea fishing, ice plants, cold storages, and fish transport chains, exportoriented aquaculture, fish processing establishments including canning factories, boatyards and
fishing gear factories, and production of other inputs required for the fishing industry such as fish
transport boxes. Such investments will be safeguarded and provided with incentives such as tax
concessions under the BOI scheme. However, no investment will be allowed to enhance fishing
activities in the coastal subsector.
Fishers will be encouraged to replace traditional craft with multi-day boats, IDAY boats or OFRP
boats, and gillnets with long-lines with subsidized loans provided. Intensive awareness campaigns
will be conducted on co-management of fisheries, use of ice and quality maintenance of fish. Fishers
are being organized at local, district and national levels with the objective of introducing comanagement in the respective areas. The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act will be amended
shortly to provide for co-management and to control fishing activities by Sri Lankan vessels in highseas and prevent them from unauthorized fishing in waters in other countries.
Outputs in the Roadmap are given in Table 19.
Table 19 – Outputs of the Roadmap 2013 - 2016
25
Objective Area
National
Fish
Production
Fish
quality
improvement
Fish exports
Fisheries
management
Improvement of
social security
of the fisher
community
Activity Area
Introduction of high-sea fishing
vessels
Introduction of multiday boats
Introduction of IDAY boats
Introduction of OFRP boats
Establishment of new fishery
harbours/Upgrading of anchorages
to harbours
Upgrading of minor fish landing sites
to anchorages
Establishment of fishing gear
factories
Introduction of reservoir craft
Stocking of seed fish (millions)
Establishment of new aquaculture
centres or hatcheries (No.)
Setting up of new ice factories
(Increased ice supply (MT))
Improvement of quality related
infrastructure at fishery harbours
and
anchorages
(No.
of
harbous/anchorages)
Development of awareness (No. of
fishers and fish handlers)
Establishment of fish processing
zones at Negombo, Beruwala, Galle,
Mirissa, Hambantota and Batticaloa
with infrastructure (No. of zones)
Larger boats and multi-day boats to
use onboard cooling facilities
Development of export oriented
aquaculture (No. of farms including
cage farms)
Certification (MSC, organic, etc,) of
export projects (No. of projects)
Updating of legislation
Establishment of a VMS system
Establishment
of
fishery
management areas with comanagement (No. of areas)
Withdrawal of non-mechanized
traditional craft (No. withdrawn)
Fisheries pension scheme ( No.
enrolled)
Fisheries insurance scheme (No.
enrolled)
Divineguma micro-credit scheme
(No. of loans issued)
2013
15
Output (Additions)
2014
2015
30
45
2016
60
150
100
1,500
1
180
500
1200
2
220
900
1200
2
300
300
1500
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
400
30
1
400
40
1
400
50
2
400
60
2
100
500
1000
1400
8
10
12
12
2000
2000
2000
2000
1
1
1
1
100
150
200
250
250
750
1000
1000
10
10
10
10
x
X
20
20
20
20
-
400
600
1000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
4.7. International Cooperation
Sri Lanka is a party to the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, which is the most important
26
international instrument in governing activities related to oceans. Sri Lanka has also ratified the UN
Fish Stocks Agreement that provides for management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks,
and is a member of IOTC, which is the RFMO that manages fisheries in the area where Sri Lankan
fishing vessels fish. Sri Lanka has also ratified CITES, Convention on Biodiversity and MARPOL which,
although do not directly concern fisheries, has a bearing on fisheries. MFARD has recommended that
Sri Lanka should ratify the FAO Compliance Agreement, and FAO Agreement on Port State Measures
to Control IUU Fishing activities. In management of fisheries, relevant provisions of the FAO Code of
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and International Plans of Action on IUU Fishing, Fishing Capacity
and Shark Fisheries will be given effect to. Sri Lanka is also cooperating with India through the Joint
Working Group appointed by the two countries to address fisheries issues that are common to both
countries.
4.8. Investment
The government investment plan for the Roadmap is given in Table 20. The Government investment
will be in the areas of development of the fishing fleet in the form of subsidies where the major part
of the investment is expected from the private sector, infrastructure development and maintenance,
fisheries management, inland fisheries and aquaculture development, fish quality improvement, and
fisher community social security improvement. The private sector including banks are expected to
invest in commercial activities such as fishing, boatyards, fishing gear factories, fish processing
plants, aquaculture projects, ice plants, etc.
Table 20 – Government Investment Plan 2013 - 2016
Investment
Area
Activity Area
Marine fisheries
Fishing fleet development
Fisheries management
Establishment of new fishery
harbours/Upgrading of anchorages
to harbours
Upgrading of minor fish landing sites
to anchorages
Maintenance of fishery harbours,
anchorages and landing sites
Establishment of a VMS system
Introduction of reservoir craft
Aquaculture seed production
Establishment of new aquaculture
centres or hatcheries (No.)
Improvement of quality related
infrastructure at fishery harbours
and anchorages
Development of awareness
Certification (MSC, organic, etc,) of
export projects
Fisheries pension scheme
Fisheries insurance scheme
Divineguma micro-credit scheme
Inland fisheries
and aquaculture
Fish
quality
improvement
and
export
development
Improvement of
social security
of the fisher
community
Total
27
Government Investment (LKR
million)
2013
2014
2015
2016
50
54
56
60
60
60
60
60
2400
2000
2200
2600
600
600
600
600
100
100
100
100
1000
6
30
50
5
6
40
50
5
6
50
100
5
6
60
100
10
12
15
15
5
20
5
20
5
20
5
20
50
8
30
60
9
40
70
10
50
80
12
60
4419
3061
3347
3783
28