Sri Lanka has presented a series of key proposals on fisheries policy, sustainable management of marine resources, protection of small-scale fisheries and regional cooperation at the 37th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI 37), currently being held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.

The session, held from September 7 to 11, brings together policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss major challenges and emerging priorities in global fisheries and aquaculture.

Among the key issues under discussion are the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA 2026) report, measures to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the advancement of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture.

Representing Sri Lanka, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, outlined the country’s position on the current status of the fisheries sector, measures already being implemented and future policy priorities.

Addressing the session, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa emphasized that digital transformation, effective data management and science-based decision-making should be given greater priority in modern fisheries management, particularly in developing countries.

He noted that digital technologies have an increasingly important role to play in collecting, managing and analysing fisheries data, enabling governments to formulate policies based on reliable scientific evidence.

While recognizing the importance of the FAO’s FishStat database, Sri Lanka also stressed the need to strengthen stock assessment capabilities in developing countries to enable the scientific evaluation of fishery resources.

Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa pointed out that fisheries data should not remain confined to statistical reporting, but should be effectively translated into national and regional policies and practical decision-making. He therefore called for greater knowledge-sharing, technical cooperation and data-driven policymaking among countries through the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO).

Greater Attention to Small-Scale Fisheries

Sri Lanka also placed particular emphasis on the importance of protecting and strengthening the small-scale fisheries sector.

Dr. Jinadasa noted that small-scale fisheries make a significant contribution to national food security, fisher livelihoods, export earnings and the development of the blue economy.

He stressed that the definition of small-scale fisheries should not be based solely on technical criteria such as vessel length or engine horsepower. Instead, social, economic and institutional factors, together with the actual livelihood conditions of fishing communities, should also be taken into consideration.

He called for international fisheries policies to better reflect the realities faced by fishing communities in developing countries.

Sri Lanka also highlighted the completion this year of the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen fishery survey programme conducted in Sri Lankan waters. Steps are now being taken to establish a dedicated data collection unit to ensure more systematic and continuous fisheries data collection in the future.

The country further noted that fisheries information is being systematically collected and submitted through established monitoring and data collection mechanisms, including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).

Reducing Post-Harvest Losses

Sri Lanka also identified the reduction of post-harvest losses as an important priority alongside increasing fisheries production.

Accordingly, measures are being taken to improve cold-chain facilities at fishery harbours and fish landing sites in order to reduce post-harvest losses, maintain the quality of fish products and protect their market value.

Stronger International Action Against IUU Fishing

The need for stronger international cooperation to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing was another key issue highlighted by Sri Lanka.

Noting that Sri Lanka has now reached ten years since joining the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa stressed the importance of further strengthening coordinated action among countries to prevent and combat IUU fishing.

He also emphasized the need to address gaps between legal frameworks and their practical implementation, while strengthening regional cooperation and maximizing the opportunities presented by initiatives such as the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME).

Sri Lanka further pointed out that the Bay of Bengal is characterized by diverse fishing practices and a large number of small-scale fishing vessels. Therefore, international policies relating to fisheries trade, subsidies and market access should take into account the region’s distinct social, economic and operational realities.

Regional Cooperation Through BOBP-IGO

Speaking on behalf of the leadership of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation, Sri Lanka called for stronger fisheries cooperation among member countries, including Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

The country stressed the importance of enhancing technical cooperation, sharing knowledge and strengthening institutional capacities to address common fisheries challenges across the region.

Sri Lanka also called on international organizations, including the FAO, to continue providing technical assistance, capacity building, data management support and policy guidance to developing countries.

Concluding his intervention, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa reaffirmed that securing a sustainable future for global fisheries requires an integrated approach that brings together science-based data, digital technology, regional cooperation and the protection of small-scale fishing communities.

Through its participation at COFI 37, Sri Lanka has placed its national fisheries priorities and experiences before the international community while contributing to discussions that will influence future global policies on fisheries and aquaculture.

Nearly 800 sector leaders, including policymakers, researchers, NGO representatives, politicians and fisheries professionals from around 130 countries, are participating in the session.