The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) says the fish harvest in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters has been gradually declining, with the trend being observed since 2014.

Chairman of the NARA, Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi, said that this is a common threat affecting marine ecosystems not only in Sri Lanka but also in many countries around the world.

He said that this situation did not arise suddenly, while a decrease in fish harvest in Sri Lankan waters has been observed since 2014.

The NARA Chairman said no single cause has so far been identified for the decline in the fish harvest, while changes in the biological system are considered a major contributing factor.

Professor Hettiarachchi noted that it has not yet been established whether the current El Nino conditions are affecting this situation, adding that there is no confirmation that Sri Lanka has been directly impacted by the phenomenon.

He said that if the situation continues in the long term, attention has been turned toward directing fishing communities into alternative employment opportunities to secure their livelihoods.

A special programme aimed at promoting fish farming has already been initiated as a possible solution. However, Professor Hettiarachchi said he was not satisfied with the progress made so far.

Meanwhile, expressing his views on the current situation, National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) Convener Herman Kumara alleges that the inadequate enforcement of laws prohibiting the use of illegal fishing nets and destructive fishing gear has contributed significantly to the depletion of fish resources.