A Rs. 270 million project has been launched to revive the freshwater fisheries industry in the Northern Province and increase fish production.
As part of the initiative, a special programme to distribute fish barrier nets was held recently at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.
The project is being implemented by the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, in line with the Government’s national policy, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
Under the first phase, fish barrier 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. This 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, with the participation of the District Secretary, NAQDA officials and members of rural fishing communities.
