Sustainable Aquaculture Development

Empowering Freshwater Fishers for a Resilient Future

Objective: To improve the livelihood of rural inland fishing communities,

ensuring the sustainability of freshwater fishing through microfinance, capacity

building, infrastructure support, and ecological management.

Background: Sri Lanka has a vast network of inland fishing bodies- lakes,

rivers, reservoirs, and tanks. These have not been developed to their full

potential as a source of income and livelihood for the rural population.

Activities:

• Organize local rural communities to form fisher societies to collectively

• Engage in freshwater fishing

• Establish saving societies for sustainable operations

• Participate with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) and NGOs to regulate and monitor fishing activities

• Provide microfinance to purchase nets and boats

• Stock water bodies with fast-growing fish- tilapia, carp, and freshwater prawns

• Train fishers on:

  • Sustainable fishing techniques

  • Best practices in aquaculture

  • Fish preservation and value addition

  • Pond management

  • Environmental conservation

• Implement school-based programs on inland fishing and freshwater conservation

Outcomes:

• Empowered self-governing fisher societies

• Improved livelihoods, nutrition, and food security for rural communities

• Improved ecosystems

• Youth-driven innovation in fisheries

• Intergenerational awareness and participation

Vision: To scale the program nationally, positioning the Sri Lankan inland fisher

communities as models of climate-resilient, community-driven, and economically vibrant rural economies.