By The Pulseline News Desk
The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has been instructed to investigate reports of declining fish catches and determine whether changes in fish populations and marine habitats are affecting the country’s fishing industry.
Deputy Minister of Fisheries Rathna Gamage has told Parliament that reports from fishermen and media coverage had raised concerns over a possible decline in fish catches in several areas.
“I have seen newspaper reports on the matter, and there seems to be some truth to it,” Gamage has said, while responding to questions raised in Parliament.
He has said the reported decline could be linked to several environmental and human-related factors, including changes in ocean conditions, pollution and unsustainable fishing practices.
The Deputy Minister has said the possibility of the phenomenon being connected to El Niño conditions was also being considered, while noting that changes in ocean ecosystems and fish populations were being observed globally.
“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 has said.
According to Gamage, changes in algae levels could also have an impact on marine ecosystems. A reduction in algae could affect photosynthesis and consequently alter the conditions required to sustain fish populations.
Ocean pollution was another concern highlighted by the Deputy Minister, who has said contamination of marine environments could be affecting fish habitats and the wider ecosystem.
Rising ocean temperatures could also be influencing the distribution of fish, he has said. Fish populations may be moving into deeper waters in response to changing temperatures, potentially reducing catches in traditional fishing grounds and disrupting established fishing practices.
The Deputy Minister has also pointed to unsustainable fishing methods as a possible factor behind declining fish stocks, noting that previous NARA research had identified fishing practices capable of damaging fish populations and marine ecosystems.
Against this backdrop, NARA has been tasked with conducting a detailed assessment of the situation.
The agency has been instructed to examine the availability of fish, determine whether fish populations have declined and establish whether changes have occurred in their habitats.
It has also been asked to identify the reasons behind any changes and recommend measures that could be implemented to address the situation.
Gamage has said NARA was expected to submit its research report to the Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries soon.
The findings are expected to provide the Government with a clearer picture of whether the reported decline in catches reflects temporary changes in ocean conditions or a more sustained shift in fish populations and marine habitats, with potential implications for the country’s fishing communities and fisheries management policies.
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