Fisheries imports doubled last year compared to previous years: Minister

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that fisheries imports have doubled last year compared to previous years since the new government came to power. 

"In year 2014 the quantity of fish importation was reported as 78,712 M.T to the tune of Rs. 18,860 Million. In year 2015, fish importation has accounted for 120,046 M.T. to the value of Rs. 30,729 Million. In this context these figures allude that the importation and expenditure have been doubled corresponding to the same period in year 2014," Minister revelaed.

During last year 8,445 M.T. of Dried fish have been recorded imported by spending Rs. 2,357 Million. 24, 607 M.T. of Dried sprats, 2,216 M.T of Maldivian fish, 33,867 M.T. of Fish have been imported by spending Rs. 7,153 Million, Rs. 1,658 Million and Rs. 6,764 Million respectively. Similarly 106 M.T. of Ornamental fish have been imported at a cost of Rs. 197 Million.

Speaking at the occasion of inaugurating the construction of Suduwella Fisher harbour, he said that it is shameful for a country which possesses eighth time larger sea area than that of land area to import fish in order to fulfill our requirement.

Importation of canned fish has also been doubled during last two years. In year 2014 we have imported 19,591 M.T of canned fish at accost of Rs. 5,092 Million. In year 2015 the amount has increased to 49,016 M.T incurring Rs. 11,919 Million.

Taking into consideration the above factors the present Government has allocated approximately Rs. 2,500 Lakhs through its budget with a view to develop our fish resources in lagoons and reservoirs.

Similarly, there is a strong possibility that the quantity of fish import would reach 150,000 M.T by the end of this year mainly due to the fact that the fish harvest fetch from sea is on the decline.