Fisheries enhancements in inland waters in Sri Lanka with special reference to culture based fisheries: current status and impacts

Sri Lanka is endowed with more than 12,000 reservoirs. Depending on their hydrological regimes, they are broadly categorized into perennial and seasonal reservoirs and are secondarily used for the development of inland fisheries. This paper discusses the importance and status of culture-based fisheries (CBF) in reservoirs of Sri Lanka and assess the impacts of introduction of CBF. The CBF in seasonal reservoirs was initiated in the 1980s and it is well documented. There are around 200,000 ha of perennial reservoirs in Sri Lanka and CBF in perennial reservoirs is a recent development. Introduction of CBF into perennial reservoirs has resulted in significant increases in fish production, increased availability of fresh fish to rural communities, enhanced livelihood opportunities and income for fishers and strengthening the rural economy. Progress achieved so far in respect of seasonal reservoirs has not reached the envisaged levels. Nile tilapia, catla, rohu and mrigal are the main contributory species for fish production through CBF in perennial reservoirs. Although the contribution to fish catches is low, stocking of freshwater prawn ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii ) is financially feasible. Adequate stocking with suitable species, the existence of active Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and their involvement in planning and implementation of CBF, and the existence of a legal framework which facilitate implementation of activities pertaining to CBF are the key factors for successful implementation and sustainability of CBF in perennial reservoirs.