The fishing industry is not only an occupation but a service in reducing malnutrition among the children. Hence all stakeholders in the fisheries industry have a great responsibility to perform particularly the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.
He said research conducted by NARA is very important for the Sri Lankan fisheries sector development. They are keen to to introduce modern technology for the fishermen involved in both ocean and inland fishing. The modern equipment and technology are very important to make the country’s fisheries industry more efficient so that they can uplift the livelihoods of the fishing community, he added.
The minister was addressing the inauguration ceremony of a series of scientific sessions organized by NARA under the theme of Meeting Challenges in Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, recently.
NARA is the apex national institute vested with the responsibility of carrying out and coordinating research, development and management activities on the subject of aquatic resources in Sri Lanka.
NARA is a statutory body established by the NARA Act of No. 54 of 1981. During the past 30 years NARA conducted numerous scientific studies in the field of fisheries and aquatic resources.
NARA also provides services for development and sustainable utilization of living and non-living aquatic resources. The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has made all arrangements to increase the local inland and sea fish production by 6.85 million metric tons in 2013 and per capita fish consumption to 10 kilos. With the increase in the fish harvest the necessity for high quality storage facilities has became important.
Continuing research in an efficient manner too is very important, the minister further said. NARA Chairman Dr. Sayuru Samarasundara and a number of guests were also present.
2012 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.