Sri Lanka records steady fall in marine fish harvests since 2014: agency

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has recorded a gradual decline in fish harvests from its territorial waters since 2014, according to the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), local news outlet 'The Morning' reported on Saturday.

NARA Chairman Sanath Hettiarachchi told the paper the agency had not identified a single cause for the downturn. He said changes within the marine biological system were considered a major factor affecting fish availability and harvest levels.

The trend has prompted increased attention to alternative sources of fish production as authorities seek to maintain domestic supplies while easing pressure on marine stocks.

NARA is the country’s principal institution for research, development and management of aquatic resources. Marine fisheries continue to account for the bulk of Sri Lanka’s domestic fish production.

Official figures show Sri Lanka produced 410,760 tonnes of fish in 2024, of which 308,430 tonnes came from the marine sector.

By RSS/Xinhua