With the objective of actively contributing to the development process of the country, a progress review meeting of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) was held on 16th of September at the Authority premises under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority, Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya, Director General, Directors, Assistant Directors, Zonal Directors and Extension Officers serving across the island.
Setback due to inaccurate data:
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister inquired at length about the methods to increase freshwater fish production in the island. It was revealed that there were major shortcomings and inaccuracies in the data on fish harvests obtained in the past, especially up to the year 2024. The officials admitted that it was happened due to the provision of data without proper supervision.
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage, who expressed his views at the meeting, emphasized that "the Aquaculture Development Authority should make a direct contribution, using accurate data and accurate methods, to correct the mistakes of the past and increase fish production in line with the population of the country."
Problems and solutions presented by the officials:
The officials informed the Deputy Minister about the many problems they are facing in the field:
1. Illegal fishing: It is a serious problem that fish fry released into the reservoirs are caught before they grow properly due to the use of illegal fishing methods such as dragnets, trammel nets, and thangus nets. As a solution to this situation, it was suggested that raids carried out in collaboration with the Special Task Force should be further strengthened.
2. Coordination with the Irrigation Department: The sudden change in the water level of certain tanks by the Irrigation Department adversely affects fish production. It was agreed to develop a permanent mechanism for this consequent to the discussions with the said department.
3. Other problems: Problems such as insufficient water supply to certain tanks and non-registration of boats were also discussed. The officials pointed out that most of these problems can be resolved through proper coordination with institutions such as the Mahaweli and Irrigation Departments.
Fair price for fishermen and welfare of officials:
The Deputy Minister assured that in cases where fishermen do not get a fair price for their harvest, the Fisheries Corporation will directly intervene and provide a fair price.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister stated that as a solution to the transportation difficulties faced by officials, a program to provide motorcycles and vehicles under foreign aid has already been initiated. He further said that the Ministry will provide full support to get the active participation of officials by providing solutions to other problems of them.
