Inland aquatic resources

Abstract

Sri Lanka is rich in inland aquatic resources which includes 103 rivers with a cumulative basin area of 59,245 km2, accounting for 90% of the country’s land area. The total extent under inland reservoirs is about 200,000 ha. Most of the reservoirs in the country that include minor irrigation reservoirs and seasonal reservoirs are less than 100 ha in surface area, but are biologically very productive. The inland fishery production from reservoirs of Sri Lanka is essentially a secondary utilization, producing a cheap source of animal protein to the rural communities, which contributes to their nutritional requirements and food security. The inland aquatic resources of Sri Lanka are rich in biodiversity. Introduced fish species, notably the African cichlids, as well as the Chinese and Indian major carps, contribute significantly to inland fishery production which at present is around 75,750 tonnes. There are about 169 species of water birds in Sri Lanka, some of which are resident while others are migrants. These birds assemble in large numbers in wetlands during the migration season, and therefore these locations can be developed into centres of ecotourism. The Country's extensive freshwater and brackish water resources, and the adjoining lowland areas of rivers and reservoirs are potentially a rich resource for food production and income generation for rural populations. There is a vast potential for entrepreneurial investment in inland aquatic resources, such as for value addition of hitherto unexploited or underexploited fishery resources, development of freshwater prawn aquaculture, establishment of ‘fish spa’ using stone sucker Garra ceylonensis, enhancement of ornamental fishing industry, and development of ecotourism and game fishing.