Rs. 270 million project launched to revive Northern Province freshwater fisheries

A Rs. 270 million project has been launched to revive the freshwater fisheries industry in the Northern Province and increase fish production.

Fish barrier nets were distributed at a special programme held recently at the Vavuniya District Secretariat as part of the initiative. The National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) is implementing the project under the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, in line with the Government’s national policy, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”

In the first phase, nets were provided for 12 major tanks in the Vavuniya and Mannar districts, with an investment of Rs. 17.5 million. The nets are designed to prevent fish fingerlings released into tanks and reservoirs for freshwater fisheries from being washed away when water overflows during the rainy season.

The measure is expected to help conserve fish stocks, increase catches and improve the income of fishing communities.

The event was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe. The District Secretary, NAQDA officials and members of rural fishing communities took part.