NARA ordered to probe declining fish catches

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has been directed to investigate reports of declining fish catches and determine whether fish populations and marine habitats are changing, Deputy Minister of Fisheries Rathna Gamage told Parliament on Thursday (20).

Gamage said reports from fishermen and media indicated a possible decline in catches, adding that there appeared to be substance to the concerns.

He said the reported changes could be linked to several factors, including changing ocean conditions, rising sea temperatures and marine pollution.

The Deputy Minister said authorities were also examining whether El Niño conditions could have contributed to the situation, while noting that similar changes in ocean ecosystems had been observed globally.

A decline in algae could affect photosynthesis and disrupt the marine environment needed to sustain fish populations, while pollution could further impact marine ecosystems, he said.

Gamage said rising sea temperatures could also be driving fish into deeper waters, reducing catches in traditional fishing grounds and forcing fishermen to adjust established fishing practices.

He also raised concerns over unsustainable fishing practices, noting that previous NARA research had identified methods that could negatively affect fish stocks.

NARA has been instructed to assess fish availability, determine whether populations and habitats have changed, identify the causes and recommend measures to address the situation.

Gamage said the agency was expected to submit its findings to the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries on Thursday afternoon.