The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has been instructed to investigate reports of declining fish catches and possible changes to fish populations and habitats, Deputy Minister of Fisheries Rathna Gamage told Parliament today.
Responding to questions in Parliament, the Deputy Minister said reports from fishermen and the media indicated that fish catches may have declined.
“I have seen newspaper reports on the matter, and there seems to be some truth to it,” he said.
The deputy minister said several factors could be contributing to the reported decline, including changing ocean conditions and pollution.
“There are some questions as to whether this matter is linked to El Niño conditions. On the other hand, globally there is such a trend observed in oceans,” he said.
He said a reduction in algae could affect photosynthesis and, in turn, conditions necessary to sustain fish populations. Ocean pollution could also be affecting marine ecosystems, he added.
The Deputy Minister said rising ocean temperatures could also be causing fish populations to move into deeper waters, potentially reducing catches in traditional fishing grounds and affecting established fishing practices.
He also raised concerns over unsustainable fishing methods, saying NARA research had previously identified practices that could damage fish populations.
NARA has now been instructed to prepare a research report examining the availability of fish, whether fish populations have declined and whether their habitats have changed.
The agency has also been asked to identify the reasons for any changes and recommend measures to address them.
Gamage said NARA was expected to submit the report to the Fisheries Ministry secretary this afternoon. (Newswire)
