The 13th District Fisheries Coordination Committee meeting was successfully held on 16th of July at the Ampara District Secretariat under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage.
The main objective of this meeting was to promptly resolve the problems of the regional fishing community, connect them to the production economy, and ensure the fair distribution of the income generated from it among all.
The main objective of the Deputy Minister was to promptly identify the fishing problems in the Ampara district and work to resolve them by involving all relevant institutions and regional authorities. The meeting, which was successfully organized by the Government Agent of Ampara, was attended by a large number of people including Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyatissa, members of parliament of the district, mayors, chairmen of the Pradeshiya Sabha, and members of the Pradeshiya Sabha.
Also, the Ampara District Secretary, Additional District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries and all government officials, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, the Additional Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, officials of the Fisheries Corporation and NARA, and officials of all institutions related to the Ministry of Fisheries and many members of the fisheries associations also attended this event.
Identified Main problems and solutions: Ampara district is a district that is successfully engaged in both saltwater and freshwater fisheries. Here are some of the main issues raised by the fishing community and the decisions taken in relation to them.
Spread of aquatic plants such as Salvinia in reservoirs: It was pointed out that fish production has been affected due to the decrease in the capacity of the reservoirs lead by the deposition of aquatic plants such as Salvinia in many reservoirs. The Deputy Minister said that steps would be taken to clean these reservoirs immediately and increase the capacity.
Issues related to the Department of Wildlife: Complaints were made that fishing activities were being hindered due to problematic situations caused by certain wildlife officers. The Deputy Minister emphasized that steps would be taken to discuss such situations with the relevant authorities and provide solutions, and that fishermen should act in accordance with environmental conservation and wildlife protection.
Illegal fishing activities and stealing of fish harvest: Attention was also drawn to the damage caused to the fishing industry due to the use of illegal fishing gear and the stealing of fish harvest in border areas such as Kalmunai and Batticaloa. The Deputy Minister stated that the Assistant Directors confirmed the Ministry of Defense, Navy and the Department of Fisheries have taken joint action in this regard, and the stealing of fish harvest has significantly reduced through that.
Need for Fuel and Fishing Gear: Attention was drawn to the lack of bunker stations required for fishing activities in the Panama and Pottuvil areas and the dire need for fishing gear in areas such as Okanda and Panama. The Minister stated that discussions will be held with the government to start bunker stations and fishing gear sales outlets in these areas and take actions expeditiously.
Port Facilities for Multi-Day Fishing Vessels: The lack of a fishery harbour for multi-day fishing vessels in the Ampara district was discussed as a problem. The fishing community alleged that the existing Oluvil port has become a "white elephant" due to its construction without a proper feasibility study.
Transport facilities for inland fishermen: Attention was drawn to the obstacles in transport facilities of fishermen engaged in the inland fishing industry. The Minister promised to resolve the problems encountered while traveling through wildlife parks and provide them with the necessary facilities to engage in fishing activities without hindrance.
Fish stocking and road facilities: Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage explained that steps will be taken to promptly stock fish in small and medium-scale reservoirs and to improve the road facilities required by the fishing community.
The active participation of officials from all government institutions including the Police, Navy, Department of Wildlife Conservation and Department of Irrigation for this discussion can be clearly seen.
