Sri Lanka’s fish harvest has been gradually declining since 2014, according to the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
NARA Chairman Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi said no single cause has been identified for the decline, although changes in marine biological systems are considered a major contributing factor.
He said it has not been established whether El Niño conditions are contributing to the decline or whether Sri Lanka has been directly affected by the phenomenon.
Hettiarachchi said alternative livelihoods for fishing communities may have to be considered if the decline continues, while a programme promoting fish farming has already been launched. However, he said its progress has so far been unsatisfactory. (Newswire)