An overview of the inland fisheries of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Inland fisheries development activities in Sri Lanka began in early twentieth century. However, the commercial-scale inland fishery was developed only after the introduction of African cichlid species, Oreochromis mossambicus into Sri Lankan freshwaters in 1952. Discontinuation of state support for the development of inland fisheries during 1990-1994 period, brought about a drastic decline in inland fish production. There is a significant potential for enhancement of inland fisheries production in the country through management of capture fisheries in perennial reservoirs and development of culture-based fisheries in seasonal reservoirs.