Stimulate fresh water fishing on a mass scale

Wednesday, 30 October 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

At present nearly 90% of the population in Sri Lanka consumes fish (including dried and Maldive fish). Doctors admit that fish could be consumed at all ages and has several advantages unlike mutton, beef, pork, etc. (a) Contains high protein and carbohydrate (b)Amino acid and fatty acid available are essential for human body. (c)High medical value could be used to prepare medicine to treat paralysis, long term unhealed wounds, skin diseases, etc. (d)Free of cholesterol (e)Syrup and oil extracted have rich medical value (proved in Malaysia and Singapore) (f)Suits our taste. Could be consumed in different forms. In India even biscuits have been produced which would be introduced to the market (in Sri Lanka as well) Regrettably in Sri Lanka we are not self-sufficient in fish. We are surrounded by sea but are importing fish. There are several reasons for this: (a) Old methods are still used to catch fish with no modernisation. In India fishermen carry apparatus which could warn about storms on time. In addition it shows the places where fish strength is high. (b) It is a risky business – deaths due to storms and other weather conditions are common. Individual fishermen do not have secured incomes. (c) Catching fish is done on community basis (coastal areas). It never attracts others to enter the field. (d) In addition the younger generation is leaving this profession due to higher education, better and less risky jobs, etc. (e) Penetration of foreign vessels into our area is common. They not only take away our fish but also damage our valuable nets, boats, etc. We highly depend on natural fishing (sea, river, tanks, etc.). It is high time for us to stimulate fresh water fishing (inland fishing) on a mass scale. This has been proved to be successful in India and Japan. We have to select varieties which give maximum benefits. I understand that a variety called murrel is highly beneficial. It could be reared even at home. We should encourage fresh water fishing with suitable varieties in houses (well tanks), ponds, rivers, big tanks, etc. It is better for our Research Department to prepare a report on this and stimulate inland fishing, which would improve our national income and exports as well. S.R. Balachandran, BSc.FCA,FCMA (Sri Lanka)

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