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Fisheries Policies in Sri Lanka

&

Sustainable Development

V.Kirushnananthy

Fisheries in Sri Lanka

The major potential areas for expansion of the economy from time immemorial.

The major livelihood of the coastal communities.

Three major sub sectors viz. Coastal fisheries, offshore/deep sea fisheries and inland

fisheries.

ROLE OF FISHERIES

Employment

The sector plays a vital role with respect to provision of direct and indirect employment opportunities for

560,000 and livelihood for 2.6 million people, generation of income, foreign exchange earnings and provision of reasonably priced protein for the rural and urban masses in the country.

Rural development

Increases in fish production are also expected to improve incomes of fishermen and fish farmers, enhance job and business opportunities

Nutritional Security

To ensure that the Sri Lankan population enjoys an acceptable nutrition intake it is required to maintain a protein requirement level through a per capita fish consumption of 22Kg per year. To achieve this target, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development has targeted at increasing the national fish production up to 685,700 Mt.

Capture Fisheries US$ 3 130 million

Inland Fisheries US$ 266 million

Aquaculture US$ 2 072 million

Trade (2004)

Value of fisheries imports US$ 139,789,000

Value of fisheries exports US$ 1 654112000

Present fish production 6.4 mmt

Inland 3.4mmt

Marine 3.0mmt

Potential fish production 8.4mmt

Fish seed production 21,000 million fry

Hatcheries 1070

FFDA 422

BFDA 39

Current Status of Fisheries in Sri Lanka

ACTIVITIES OF FISHERY INDUSTRY

Fish as food, the ultimate objective of the fishery industry, should also be safe and of the quality required by consumers and public regulations.

The fishery industry is participating in many activities like purchase inputs, applying for loans, paying for labor, thinking for the next and making profits.

An important objective, from an economic viewpoint, is to be economically self sustained, i.e., to pay place the resources invested and make a clear within a rational indication.

Sustainable Development

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Maximum Sustainable Yield of Fish stock

Vision

Sri Lanka becomes a leader in the South Asian Region in sustainable utilization of

fisheries and aquatic resources.

Mission

Directing the process of utilization of fisheries and aquatic resources for the benefit

of the current and future generations

Policy Objectives

•To improve nutritional status and food security of the people by increasing the

national fish production.

•To minimize post-harvest losses and improve quality and safety of fish products to

acceptable standards.

•To increase employment opportunities in fisheries and aquatic resources related

industries, and improve the socio-economic status of the fisher community.

• To increase foreign exchange earnings from fish and aquatic product exports.

• To conserve the aquatic environment.

Fisheries policy in Sri Lanka

•National Aquaculture Research &Development Agency

Scientific Research

•Cey-Nor Foundation LTd.

Input Supply

•Ceylon Fishery Harbour Corporation

Management and Development of Harbours

•Ceylon Fisheries Corporation

Management of Marketing

•National Aquaculture Development Authority

Development of Inland

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Management of Fisheries Resources

Stakeholders involving in Policy making (Major Government institutions)

National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering (NIFNE)

Central Fish Market Complex, Peliyagoda

Mahinda Chintana (2005) and Mahinda Chintana Idiridekma

(2010): Measures to increase production

Fisheries Sector Development Strategy 2010 – 2013: Specific

objectives, targets, strategies

Ten Year Development Policy Framework of the Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources Sector 2007 – 2016: Vision, policy objectives,

constraints and proposed policy measures

Development Policy

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Responsibility of implementation of the national fisheries and aquatic

resources policy lies with the ministry in charge of the subject of

fisheries and aquatic resources.

•Marine and Inland Fisheries

•Aquaculture

•Infrastructure Facilities

•Marketing

•Research

•Non-living Aquatic Resources

•Extension and Training

•Up-lifting of the Socio-economic Status of the Fisher Community

•Rehabilitation of Fisheries affected by the Conflict and the Tsunami

•Institutional and Legal Framework

•International Co-operation

•Environment

Fisheries Policy Marine and Inland Fisheries

1. Promote the principles of responsible fisheries as stipulated in international conventions and

treaties.

2. Give priority for surveys on fisheries and aquatic resources, stock assessments and exploratory

fishing.

3. Introduce appropriate technology to harvest currently non-harvested fish.

4. Prevent the use of undesirable and destructive fishing gear and methods.

5. Promote the use of resource friendly fishing gear in place of gillnet.

6. Give priority to management of coastal fisheries in order to prevent the decline of resources

considering their high contribution of such fisheries to fish production and employment

generation.

7. In coastal fisheries with excessive fishing effort, reduce fishing pressure by diverting the excessive

fishing effort to under-exploited fisheries or generating alternative employment activities.

8. Protect the rights of the traditional fishers in coastal fisheries.

9. Promote selected commercial activities like marine eco-tourism and angling without disturbing

fishing activities and affecting the coastal communities.

10. Promote designing of multi-day fishing vessels in accordance with adopted

standards to increase safety and efficiency.

11. Promote long-line fisheries in order to scale down gillnet fisheries in

accordance with international obligations.

12. Install a vessel monitoring system and enhance monitoring, control and

surveillance activities with the participation of fishers for the purpose of

preventing unauthorized fishing activities.

13. Encourage local multi-day fishing vessels to fish in high seas.

14. Develop co-operation with regional fishery management organizations and

follow international conventions and treaties in management of fisheries in high

seas.

15. Promote local and foreign private sector investments in high-seas fisheries.

16. Obtain participation of all stakeholders in developing inland fisheries.

17. Protect the right of inland fishers to fish in irrigation reservoirs.

Aquaculture

1. Develop aquaculture as an environmentally friendly, socially acceptable and market-driven

industry.

2. Promote local and foreign private sector investments on development of aquaculture.

3. Encourage private sector investors to commence aquaculture projects with community

participation.

4. Promote development of shrimp farms in accordance with zonal plans and provide common

infrastructure facilities to such farms.

5. Give priority to rehabilitate the environment affected by the shrimp farming activities.

6. Introduce best management practices to shrimp farmers and encourage shrimp farmer

associations to induce shrimp farmers to follow such best management practices.

7. For the purpose of reducing pressure on natural fish stocks encourage the private sector to

engage in culture of marine and freshwater fish including ornamental fish.

8. Encourage the private sector to undertake ornamental fish aquaculture projects using out-

grower systems with buy-back arrangements.

9. Promote stock enhancement in perennial and seasonal water bodies to enhance fish

production in capture and culture fisheries

Infrastructure Facilities

1. Involve all stakeholders in planning, establishment and operation of infrastructure

facilities such as fishery harbours, anchorages, minor fish-landing sites, coast

protection structures, etc.

2. Encourage the local and foreign private sector to establish infrastructure facilities

like fishery harbours on “built, operate and transfer” terms.

Dikowita Fishery Harbour

3. Promote local and foreign private sector investments in establishing fish processing

and canning facilities.

Peliyagoda fish canning plant producing

nearly 45,000 salmon tins per day.

Galle fish canning factory produces 10,000

salmon tins under the brand "Seafish“.

4. Develop public-private partnerships to obtain the participation of the private sector for

provision of services such as cold-storage, ice supply, water supply, slipway facilities, fish

transport facilities, etc.

Peliyagoda fish market

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Marketing

1. Make the background for fishers to sell their produce at competitive producer prices and

consumers to purchase products at reasonable consumer prices.

2. Popularize consumption of freshwater fish in urban areas where the consumer preference is

for marine fish, with a view to increasing the incomes of inland fishermen.

3. Promote production and consumption of value-added fish products.

4. Promote the export of value-added fish products.

5. Maintain safety and hygienic standards for the local fish supply.

Market Value: The value of a fishery product at market determines the fleet or individual revenues. An improved ability to access and serve the demands of seafood markets can increase revenue. Global seafood consumption

Research

1. Give priority for applied research leading to

development of fisheries and aquatic resources

while paying adequate attention to exploration of

non-living resources.

Research and Development

•Marine fin fish hatcheries in Batticaloa

•Walagoattu Breeding Programme

•Establishment of 05 water based mini hatcheries on pilot testing

•Reducing and managing the risks of acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis disease (AHPND) of

cultured shrimp

•Development of strategy for aquaculture value chain development

•Technical assistance on human resource capacity building related to fish genetics and broodstock

management

Non-living Aquatic Resources

1. Promote local and foreign investments in the utilization of non-living aquatic

resources and harnessing ocean energy.

PTPPL’s comprehensive approach to integrated water resources development has been

implemented successfully in Sri Lanka, resulting in sustainable solutions to meet existing and

future demand. As a major player in the water sector, our objective is to provide clean and safe

water to millions of people in Sri Lanka.

Desalination of seawater

Extension and Training

1. Strengthen the network of extension services in order to disseminate information

and technology among the fisher community and other stakeholders.

2. Obtain assistance from national and international organizations for man-power

development.

Ornamental Fish Breeding And

Training Center- NAQDA

Up-lifting of the Socio-economic Status of

the Fisher Community

1. Strengthen community-based fisher organizations.

2. Develop skills of the fisher community to face natural disasters.

3. Strengthen rescue services and relief services in regard to marine accidents.

4. Enhance women’s participation in the sector.

5. Promote income management, and thrift and savings in the fisher community.

Rehabilitation of Fisheries affected by the

Conflict and the Tsunami

1. Give priority for rehabilitation of conflict-affected fisheries in the North and East.

2. Make arrangements for re-location of the displaced fishers in their own villages and

support them to resume their livelihoods.

3. Rehabilitate the tsunami affected fisheries on the “build-back better” principle.

Catch production of marine fisheries in

three tsunami-affected districts in Sri

Lanka (MFAR, 2006).

The lagoon fishery at rekawa, hambantota,

showing changes in numbers of traditional

unpowered boats, and catches over time

Beach seine fishery at kalutara,

showing changes in numbers of boats,

nets and the catch over time

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Institutional and Legal Framework

1. Restructure the state agencies in the fisheries sector to suit the needs.

2. Review the discrepant provisions in other laws and make appropriate

amendments.

Constitutional provisions and provincial councils

• the central government has jurisdiction over fishing and fisheries in EEZ, while provincial

councils can exercise jurisdiction concurrently with the central government in respect of fishing

in territorial waters and internal waters.

• the central government has enacted legislation to provide for management , regulation,

conservation and development of fisheries and aquatic resources in Sri Lanka waters

• provincial councils can engage in activities like provision of social infrastructure to fishing

communities, improvement or development of fish landing sites, facilitation of fish marketing and

provisions of subsidies to fishers.

New Regulations

Culture of Coral Species on artificial substrates for export regulation

Collecting and Supply of brood shrimps in order to breed brackish water

shrimps (Penaeus species)

International Co-operation

1. Enter into bilateral, multilateral and regional co-operation agreements with other countries

for the purpose of development of the sector.

• Sri Lanka is a party to the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, which is the most

important 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.

Environment

1. Conserve and enhance the coastal environment.

2. Apply the “cleaner production concept” to all activities in the sector.

3. Give priority to the need of protection of the environment in all activities in the sector.

MIDTERM POLICY FRAMEWORK 2013-2016 for Fisheries Sector Development

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

Policy Reforms

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.

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 self-sufficiency 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.”

Policy Directions

Legislation

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 as amended

by Acts, Nos. 4 of 2000, 4 of 2004 and 22 of 2006

To provide for the management, regulation, conservation and

development of fisheries and aquatic resources in Sri Lanka

Fisheries (Regulation of Foreign Fishing Boats) Act, No. 59 of

1979

To regulate, control and manage fishing and related activities by

foreign boats in Sri Lanka waters

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IUU Fishing (Illegal Fishing) Engaging in prescribed fishing operations without license

Use of unregistered fishing boats for fishing

Use of poisonous, explosive or stupefying substances (including dynamite) for fishing

Engaging in fishing operations, which have been prohibited (e.g. push-net, harpooning marine mammals)

Lobster fishing in contravention to the Lobster Fisheries Management Regulations

Dredging or trawling operations for taking chank

Landing of fins of shark or skate which are not attached to the bodies of such fish

Landing of fish taken outside Sri Lanka waters by a boat not registered as a local fishing boat without a landing permit

IUU Fishing (Unreported Fishing)

Non reporting or misreporting of fish catch data - applicable to

foreign fishing boats fishing outside Sri Lanka waters which are issued with fish landing permits to land fish at a port in Sri Lanka. (No legal requirement of reporting catch by local fishing boats)

No provisions in local fisheries laws against :

Fishing in areas under management by Regional Fishery Management Organizations in contravention to management measures specified by respective RFMO

Fishing in areas or for stocks in a manner inconsistent with responsibilities under the international law for conservation

IUU Fishing (Unregulated Fishing)

IUU Fishing (Unregulated Fishing)

No provisions in local fisheries laws against :

Fishing in areas under management by Regional Fishery

Management Organizations in contravention to management

measures specified by respective RFMO

Fishing in areas or for stocks in a manner inconsistent with

responsibilities under the international law for conservation

Major Gaps in Management Policy No policy for regular assessments of fish stocks, determination of

the allowable catch, and adjusting of the fishing effort accordingly

No policy for compelling fishing vessels to report fish catches after each fishing voyage

No policy to exercise flag-state control over Sri Lankan fishing vessels fishing in high seas

No policy to deter violation of fishing laws in other countries by Sri Lankan fishing vessels

Recommendations for Major Legislation Changes

Fisheries laws should include provisions to:

Execute international obligations in conservation and management of fisheries

Require preparation and implementation of periodic fisheries management plans

Make mandatory that all fishing vessels report fish catches after each fishing voyage

Deter Sri Lankan fishing vessels from engaging in fishing in violation of fishing laws in other countries Other Recommendations

Strengthen awareness of fishers on IUU fishing.

Strengthen enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations.

References

1. MIDTERM POLICY FRAMEWORK 2013-2016 For Fisheries Sector Development, available at:

www.fisheries.gov.lk/doc_files/130510003839.docx

2. THE NATIONAL FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES POLICY (2006) Ministry of

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka , available at: http://www.fisheries.gov.lk/doc_files

/130502011853.pdf

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THANK

YOU