The Pearl Protectors

Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries and Aquaculture in Sri Lanka

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 16 May 2025 05:36:37 +0000

By Moira Alfred

Sri Lanka, a tropical nation near the equator, is heavily reliant on its fisheries and aquaculture industry. However, this island, renowned as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” now faces catastrophic challenges due to climate change. Fisheries contribute substantially to the country’s economy, employment, and food security. Yet rising global temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and oceanic changes threaten this vital sector.

The impacts of climate change are multifaceted. Rising sea surface temperatures disrupt marine ecosystems, altering fish migration patterns and breeding cycles. This has led to declining availability of commercially valuable species, creating a growing gap between demand and supply that jeopardizes the livelihoods of both small-scale and commercial fishers. Additionally, coral bleaching, exacerbated by higher water temperatures, further diminishes fish populations and reduces catch levels.

Extreme weather events like storm surges also threaten Sri Lanka’s aquaculture sector. These events damage critical infrastructure—boats, fishing equipment, and coastal facilities—while coastal erosion and rising sea levels make landing sites and aquacultural parks increasingly inefficient and unsafe for daily operations.

Aquaculture faces additional challenges from salinity fluctuations and more frequent algal blooms, which reduce fish farming productivity. Inland aquaculture is equally vulnerable, as unpredictable rainfall patterns cause either water scarcity or flooding, disrupting breeding processes and overall yields.

To mitigate these impacts, Sri Lanka must adopt climate-resilient strategies that promote sustainable fishing practices and improved coastal management. Targeted investments in aquaculture education and adaptive technologies are essential. Strengthening early warning systems and providing financial support to affected coastal communities will also be crucial for sustaining this vital industry amid climate change.

The Plastic Journey: From Oceans to Plates – Unveiling the Invisible Threat

The Pearl Protectors — Mon, 05 May 2025 06:35:14 +0000

By Dilshani Maralanda

Plastic pollution has become a serious global issue, transforming our beautiful, biodiversity-rich oceans into vast dumping grounds. Unlike natural materials, plastics are synthetic products designed for durability. From small candy wrappers to large PET bottles, the waste we irresponsibly discard has a profound impact not only on the environment but also on human health. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter marine ecosystems through various pathways.

The sources of plastic pollution are diverse. Land-based contributions include mismanaged waste, littering, and urban runoff, while marine sources stem from discarded fishing gear, ship waste, and cargo accidents. Even the atmosphere plays a role, as wind carries lightweight plastic particles into water bodies.

Once plastics enter the ocean, they do not simply vanish. Since they are non-biodegradable, they persist for hundreds of years, gradually breaking down into smaller fragments known as microplastics (less than 5mm in size) due to wave action, sunlight, and biological processes. These microplastics are then ingested by marine organisms, entering the food chain. Filter feeders like mussels, oysters, and plankton consume microplastics directly from the water, while fish, sea turtles, and seabirds mistake them for food. Over time, bioaccumulation occurs within these organisms, and the concentration of microplastics intensifies as they move up the food chain—a process known as biomagnification.

The journey of microplastics through the food chain begins with plankton ingesting them. Small fish then consume the contaminated plankton, accumulating microplastics in their tissues. Larger predators, such as sharks, eat these smaller fish, resulting in even higher concentrations of microplastics in their systems. The higher an organism is in the food chain, the greater the accumulation of microplastics in its body.

This raises a critical question: What happens when humans consume seafood contaminated with microplastics? Scientific studies indicate that ingesting these particles can lead to severe health risks, including digestive blockages, malnutrition, metabolic disruptions, reproductive issues, and other long-term effects, some of which are still under investigation.

In conclusion, the lifecycle of plastics—from human use to marine pollution and back to our plates—reveals a dangerous cycle of contamination. Discarded plastics degrade into microplastics, infiltrate marine life, and eventually return to us through the food we eat, posing significant threats to both ecosystems and human health.

To break this cycle, we must take urgent action. Reducing plastic consumption, adopting sustainable alternatives, and improving waste management are crucial steps. Collective efforts can protect marine environments, safeguard human well-being, and ensure a cleaner, healthier future. The solution begins with us, even small changes can make a monumental difference.

The Unsung Heroines of Sri Lanka’s Coastal Fishing Communities

The Pearl Protectors — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:24:19 +0000

By Nadithi Jagoda

When we picture Sri Lanka’s coastal fishing industry, images of fishermen hauling in their daily catch often come to mind. But behind every successful fishing operation, there’s an invisible force driving it: women.

From sorting and gutting fish to managing stalls at bustling harbors, women in Sri Lanka’s coastal fishing communities form the backbone of the industry. Yet their contributions often go unnoticed, their struggles remain unaddressed, and their potential stays untapped. It’s time to shine a light on these unsung heroines and explore how empowering them can lead to a more sustainable and equitable future for the island’s fisheries sector.

Women at the Heart of Fishing

Women in Sri Lanka’s coastal communities are involved in every stage of the fishing process. Before the harvest, they prepare nets and equipment. After the harvest, they sort, gut, and process the fish, ensuring it’s ready for market. In fishing harbors like Ambalangoda, women run stalls selling fuel, food, and other essentials, earning between USD 4 to 5 in daily profit (FAO, 2020). In Jaffna’s Ponnalai area, women fishers contribute to half of the fisheries work, specializing in catching crustaceans and earning between Rs. 7,800 to Rs. 13,000 monthly (Kumar & Jayaweera, 2019).

Despite their critical role, these women often live below the poverty line. Their economic struggles are compounded by a lack of recognition in official policies and statistical tracking, which limits their access to resources and support networks (Bennett & Dearden, 2014).

Barriers to Empowerment

Cultural norms and socioeconomic barriers further restrict women’s participation in the fisheries sector. Many women face limited mobility due to traditional gender roles, preventing them from engaging in fundamental aspects of fishing. Poor literacy rates and financial constraints also hinder their ability to achieve market success and professional growth (Jayasuriya & Ghosh, 2020).

These challenges are not just personal—they have broader implications for the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s coastal fisheries. When women are excluded from decision-making and resource management, the industry loses out on their invaluable knowledge and skills.

Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future

Recognizing the vital role of women in fisheries, both government and non-governmental organizations have launched initiatives to empower them. The 2016 Draft Marine Fisheries Policy aims to support women in forming cooperatives, improving working conditions, and gaining access to training in sustainable fishing practices (Ministry of Fisheries, 2016). Organizations like Oxfam have also stepped in, offering programs in seafood processing, fisheries management, and sustainable practices to elevate women’s economic standing (Oxfam, 2018).

Women are not just economic contributors—they are also environmental stewards. Their involvement in sustainable practices like seaweed farming and marine conservation highlights their role in preserving marine ecosystems for future generations (Gonzalez & De Silva, 2022). By transmitting traditional fishing knowledge and skills, they ensure the continuity of sustainable practices within their communities (Rao & Jayaraman, 2018).

Towards an Inclusive, Equitable & Sustainable Fisheries Industry

The success of Sri Lanka’s coastal fishing industry depends on the full participation of women. Yet, they continue to face systemic barriers that limit their potential. To create a more inclusive and equitable industry, women’s contributions must be recognized and documented in policies and national development initiatives; targeted support should be provided through training, financial resources and cooperatives; and, the critical role that women play in fisheries and marine conservation should be publicly acknowledged and valued.

Empowering women in Sri Lanka’s coastal fishing communities isn’t just about gender equality—it’s about building a sustainable future for the entire industry. By investing in women, we can create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and the environment.

Let’s celebrate the unsung heroines of the sea and work towards a future where their contributions are recognized, valued, and empowered.

Guardians of Life Below Water: The Role of Divers in Marine Conservation

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:26:36 +0000

By Dilini De Silva

The first time I went diving was off the coast of southern Sri Lanka. As I descended into the blue, the initial strangeness of breathing underwater quickly gave way to awe. A school of vibrant fish swirled past, weaving through coral formations that pulsed with life. I was hooked. That moment sparked my love for diving, and before long, I earned my PADI certification. Beneath the surface, every slow, measured breath felt like meditation—an immersion not just in water, but in a vast, living world that few ever get to see. It was also impossible to ignore the damage: bleached corals, plastic debris, and marine creatures struggling to survive. As divers, we are privileged to witness the ocean’s breathtaking beauty—but that privilege comes with a responsibility to protect it.

The Ocean Under Threat

Oceans are in crisis. Climate change is warming the waters and acidifying the seas. Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction are devastating marine life. Coral reefs—the rainforests of the ocean—are bleaching at alarming rates. Marine species are disappearing. Plastic waste is suffocating ecosystems. But divers are not just passive observers; they are on the frontlines of ocean conservation. By participating in coral restoration, ocean clean-ups, citizen science, and responsible diving, they play a crucial role in protecting and rehabilitating marine environments.

Restoring Coral Reefs: Giving Life Back to the Ocean

Coral reefs support 25% of all marine species, but they are under severe threat from rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. When corals die, entire ecosystems collapse. Fortunately, divers are helping to restore these vital underwater habitats. Organizations like the Coral Restoration Foundation train divers to transplant coral fragments onto damaged reefs, helping new corals grow and providing stable environments for marine life. Through careful placement and monitoring, these efforts increase reef resilience, ensuring that fish and other marine species have a thriving habitat.

Removing Ocean Waste: Combatting the Plastic Crisis

Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter our oceans, entangling marine life, polluting water, and destroying ecosystems. Abandoned fishing gear—known as ‘ghost nets’—continues to trap and kill marine creatures long after being discarded. Divers are uniquely positioned to help combat this crisis. Clean-up dives, such as those organized by Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris, empower divers to remove plastic waste from the ocean floor. Not only do these efforts directly improve underwater environments, but they also provide valuable data on marine pollution, helping to inform conservation policies and raise global awareness.

Citizen Science: Divers as Ocean Advocates

Scientific research is crucial for ocean conservation, and divers can play an active role in gathering essential data. Citizen science programs like REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project enlist divers to monitor species populations, track coral bleaching, and identify invasive species. This grassroots approach supplies researchers with vital information about marine health, guiding conservation efforts and influencing policy decisions. Every dive becomes an opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge and support ocean preservation.

Responsible Diving: Protecting What We Love

Beyond active conservation efforts, every diver has a responsibility to minimize their impact on the marine environment. Simple actions—such as maintaining proper buoyancy, avoiding contact with coral, and using reef-safe sunscreen—help protect fragile ecosystems. Supporting eco-conscious dive operators and promoting sustainable tourism ensures that marine environments are preserved for future generations.

The Power of Divers to Make a Difference

Divers have a unique and powerful opportunity to be stewards of the ocean. Whether through coral restoration, clean-up dives, citizen science, or responsible diving practices, they are playing a vital role in marine conservation. With every dive, they not only explore the ocean’s wonders but also contribute to its protection. By taking action, divers can help ensure that the underwater world remains vibrant and resilient for generations to come.

Are you ready to take the plunge into marine conservation? Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your journey, there are countless ways to get involved. Join a coral restoration project, participate in a clean-up dive, or simply share your passion for ocean conservation. Together, we can make a difference—one dive at a time.

Silent Seas: Unmasking the Hidden Dangers of IUU Fishing in Sri Lankan Waters

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:15:44 +0000

By Thisutha Bulathgama

Underneath the placid waters of Sri Lanka, a hidden crisis is unfolding—a threat to the livelihoods of coastal communities, marine ecosystem and the country’s national security. Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, also known as IUU fishing, is fishing in places with no regulations, without authorization, and, or without reporting catches. IUU fishing causes significant harm to local fishermen, marine lives and the country’s economy.

IUU fishing is far more dangerous than many realize. Its consequences ripple across the environment, economy and society, threatening the very fabric of Sri Lanka’s coastline. Environmentally, it decimates Sri Lanka’s fishing population, and harms coral reefs and sea beds. IUU fishing also causes the unintentional capture of protected species such as sea turtles and dolphins, pushing these vulnerable species closer to extinction.

Economic impacts too are equally alarming. Small-scale fishermen, the backbone of the island’s coastal economy are hit the hardest. As IUU fishers rake in the fish stocks, the local fishermen suffer, pushing their families further into poverty. On a larger scale, the country’s seafood exports are impacted due to the international restrictions imposed on countries failing to restrict IUU fishing. But the repercussions go beyond economics. IUU fishing threatens food security, leaving coastal communities struggling to feed themselves. Even more disturbingly, this issue is often linked to organized crime, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and forced labor. It’s a web of exploitation that extends far beyond the ocean.

Sri Lanka’s Fight Against IUU Fishing

As a developing nation, Sri Lanka has recognized the dire necessity of addressing IUU fishing.

The country has demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation by ratifying key international agreements such as the Agreement of Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and private stakeholders such as Zindhu Maritime Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd., the Sri Lankan government has implemented Vessel Monitoring Systems. These systems use cutting-edge technology to monitor the high-seas fishing operations. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Weak enforcement, inadequate monitoring and corruptions are among the top contenders hampering progress on this front.

To fight against IUU fishing, Sri Lanka must take bold & decisive steps. Strengthening laws and policies, expanding regional cooperation, and imposing stricter regulations are critical. But the fight does not end with the government. Consumers too have a significant role to play. Supporting ethical fishing methods and choosing sustainably sourced seafood can drive progress towards responsible fishing. Educating local fishermen and responsible authorities about the long-term impacts of IUU fishing can foster a collaborative effort to protect Sri Lanka’s rich marine resources for future generations. Most importantly, collective action is key—the government, civil society and international organizations must work together to enhance the long-term sustainability. Only united action can safeguard Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and prevent further environmental and economic damage.

The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. IUU fishing is not just an environmental issue—it’s a threat to Sri Lanka’s economy, food security, and social stability. By taking decisive action today, we can protect our oceans, support coastal communities, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Let’s join hands to turn the tide against IUU fishing!

PFAS and the Ocean: An Invisible Threat We Can No Longer Ignore.

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:56:45 +0000

By Sanduni Nakandala

What are PFAS?

PFAS, or Per -and-Polyfluoroalkyl substances, are the world’s most persistent pollutants. Invisible yet everywhere, these synthetic chemicals are prized for their ability to resist water, oil, heat, and stains, making them essential in fabrics, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, and countless industrial applications. Their resilience comes from the multiple carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds they contain—some of the strongest in chemistry. This makes PFAS nearly indestructible in nature, leading to their infamous nickname: “Forever Chemicals.”

Why are PFAS so dangerous?

What makes PFAS so effective also makes them a global threat. These chemicals do not break down in the environment, meaning they accumulate over time in water, soil, and even living organisms. They bioaccumulate in marine life and biomagnify up the food chain, reaching dangerous levels in top predators—and ultimately, humans. Scientists have linked PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental issues in children (Time Magazine, 2023). Alarmingly, manufacturers knew about these risks as far back as the 1960s but continued production anyway (Time Magazine, 2023). It wasn’t until the early 2000s that meaningful regulations were even considered.

How does PFAS reach the ocean?

The ocean is our planet’s final sink, where everything eventually flows. PFAS enter marine ecosystems through multiple pathways:

Industrial discharge and wastewater runoff
Landfills and sewage sludge (often used as fertilizer, which leaches PFAS into rivers)
Atmospheric deposition—A 2019 study found that sea spray aerosols are a significant source of certain PFAS in the atmosphere, illustrating how these chemicals can travel vast distances (Xiao et al., 2019).
Contaminated rivers that transport these chemicals from inland sources to the coast

Even wastewater treatment plants, designed to clean our water, are not equipped to effectively remove PFAS. Once released into the ocean, these chemicals hitch a ride on sea currents, spreading from industrial hotspots in East Asia and Europe to the most remote and pristine corners of the Arctic. Migratory marine species further transport these chemicals, contaminating fragile ecosystems miles away from their original source.

A Growing, Invisible Threat

The ocean is our greatest life-support system, regulating climate, producing oxygen, and sustaining marine life. But PFAS pollution is silently disrupting this delicate balance. With each passing day, these chemicals spread further, infiltrating ecosystems that have never been exposed to industrial activity.

How will this contamination alter marine biodiversity? What cascading effects will it have on human health, fisheries, and food security?

As we uncover the full scope of PFAS pollution, one thing is clear: the time to act is now.

Stay tuned for Part II, where we explore what can be done to tackle PFAS pollution—and how you can help protect our oceans.

Cont’d

Tourism’s Ocean Impact: Are Sri Lanka’s Regulations Enough?

The Pearl Protectors — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:59:11 +0000

By Thisuri Rojie Ekanayaka

As the winter weather rolls into the Northern Hemisphere while Sri Lanka’s skies begin to clear, the tourist industry prepares for “The Season” to begin. Indeed, post-war Sri Lanka has seen a boom in tourism, creating jobs for local communities and bringing in much needed foreign currency. The Western and Southern coasts have especially thrived, and together these areas account for over 60% of the hotel room capacity in the country. But this has also led to fears of Sri Lanka becoming “Bali 2.0” and it raises questions about whether we are doing enough to protect our fragile marine eco-systems.

The coasts of Sri Lanka cater to a wide variety of interests. You can simply relax on a beach, try a water sport or even check out the local wildlife. But in excess, these activities can exact a heavy environmental toll. Some of the major concerns are waste from hotels and restaurants; coastal erosion from unregulated construction; leaking of pollutants and disturbances to habitats from water sports and transport; as well as improper interactions with wildlife causing stress and injuries to animals.

Some key pieces of legislation that protect the environment from tourism include the Wildlife, Fauna and Flora Protection Act; the National Environmental Act; the Coastal Conservation Act; and the Tourism Act. Their implementation falls upon a range of government institutions. For instance, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority issues guidelines on water sports and wildlife tours during its registration processes while the Coast Conservation Department and Urban Development Authority regulate construction. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard meanwhile is mandated with monitoring environmental violations and engaging in conservation efforts.

Despite the existence of these laws and institutions, serious issues persist. According to industry insiders and experts, this is caused by a lack of awareness, poor enforcement of laws, corrupt practices in government agencies and insufficient penalties for violations. Tackling these problems is crucial but not sufficient. It’s also necessary to proactively support the conservation and regeneration of the environment. Lessons can be learnt from neighbours such as Thailand which have closed off certain tourist-heavy coastal regions temporarily to allow the environment to recover.

Striking a balance between supporting local economies and conservation is essential for success and this should not be seen as two entirely separate concerns. Adequately protecting Sri Lanka’s coasts will not only benefit the environment, but it will also ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry itself.

This article is also published in The Morning. Read it here: The Morning

Ship Strikes: A Threat to Sri Lanka’s Marine Life

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:43:57 +0000

By Madhushini Gananathan

What is the unseen wave of death silently endangering the ocean’s most magnificent creatures? Ship strikes have been a drastic threat to the marine life of our country. Sri Lanka is an important hub for global shipping, strategically located in the Indian Ocean. The key shipping routes passing our country include the Asian Europe route, the Middle East to South East route, and Africa to East Asia route. These routes incorporate the ports of Colombo and Hambantota.

The impact on marine species is quite devastating, particularly harming blue whales found off the southern coast, which are the primary species affected along with other species such as Bryde’s whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea creatures. It is noteworthy that ship strikes-collisions between vessels and marine animals- cause severe injuries, fatalities, and disruptions to our marine ecosystems in several ways. The blunt force trauma results in fractures, internal bleeding, and organ damage, often leading to marine species death. Also, fast-moving boats with propellers can cause deep cuts and amputations, leaving oceanic fauna severely injured, which can cause prolonged suffering. Further, fast ships generate intense noise, disorienting marine creatures.

This growing concern of ship strikes brutally exacerbates the disruption of marine ecosystems, causing the loss of keystone species, especially blue whales which play a vital role in nutrient cycling. Also, it tends to cause altered behavior and declines in populations with repeated ship strikes and frequent vessel traffic, leading to changes in migration routes and feeding grounds. The growing tourism industry in Sri Lanka also plays an important role. Declines in blue whale populations due to ship strikes could diminish whale sightings, potentially reducing tourist numbers in whale watching tourism. This drastically affects the local communities that rely on tourism revenue. The overlap of major shipping lanes near Sri Lanka, especially south of the island, increases the risk of ship strikes, as slow-moving whales often surface to breathe in these high-traffic zones as massive cargo ships, oil tankers, and fishing vessels navigate these busy routes. High-speed vessels increase collision risks with marine animals like whales, as they have less ability to stop quickly if a whale is in their path, leading to greater impact force. A recent global study published in 2024 estimated that thousands of whales are injured and killed each year after being struck by ships.

To address this growing concern, several solutions can be implemented such as re-routing shipping lanes away from critical marine habitats and enforcing slower vessel speeds in areas of high marine life activity. Additionally, improving defections and monitoring systems in real-time with advanced technology such as Radar systems, acoustic detection, and underwater drones can help to avoid these ship strikes. Protecting Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity is crucial not only for preserving its unique ecological heritage but also for sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities and maintaining global environmental balance. Collaborative action encouraging partnerships between government agencies, local communities, and international organizations leads to innovative conservation. As Michael J. Moore reminds us, true progress lies in harmonizing economic pursuits with the delegate rhythms of our oceans- ensuring that every gain is measured by the health of our marine future.

මුහුදු කැස්බෑවන් සත්ත්ව ලෝකයෙන් තුරන් වී යාවිද?

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 06:40:00 +0000

By Muthu Tharanga Rajapakse

වසර මිලියන සියයකට අධික කාලයක සිට පරිණාමය වෙමින් පැවත එන මුහුදු කැස්බෑවන් ලොව පුරා ප්‍රධාන වශයෙන් විශේෂ හතක් හඳුනාගත හැකිය. ඉන් කැස්බෑ විශේෂ පහක්ම ශ්‍රී ලංකා මුහුදු සීමාව තුළ හඳුනා ගත හැක. ඉතා දීර්ඝ ආයු කාලයක් හිමි මුහුදු කැස්බෑවන් ස්වභාවික සම්පත් සං‍රක්ෂණය පිළිබඳ ජාත්‍යන්තර සංගමයේ(IUCN) රතු දත්ත වාර්තාවට අනුව ශ්‍රී ලංකා මුහුදු සීමාව තුළ ජීවත් වන කැස්බෑ විශේෂ සියල්ලන්මද ඇතුළුව දේශීය මෙන්ම ගෝලීය වශයෙන්ද තර්ජිත සත්ත්වයින් ලෙස හඳුනාගෙන ඇත.

අවුරුදු තිහක් පමණ වන විට බිත්තර දැමීම සඳහා ශරීරය හැඩගැසෙන ගැහැණු කැස්බෑවන්, පෘථිවි චුම්බක ක්ෂේත්‍රය පදනම් කරගනිමින් ඔවුන් බිහි වූ වෙරළ තීරයටම බිත්තර දැමීම සඳහා පැමිණෙන බව අනාවරණය වී ඇත. නමුත් වර්තමානය වන විට එම ස්ථාන වල සිදු වී ඇති නව ඉදිකිරීම්, වෙරළ දූෂණය වැනි දෑ ඔවුනට තර්ජනයක් වී ඇත. කැස්බෑ පැටවකු බිත්තරයකින් නිදහස් වීමට දින හතලිස් පහකට ආසන්න කාලයක් ගතවන අතර මෙම කාලය අතරතුර සිදුවන වෙරළ ඛාදනය වැනි වෙරළබඩ වෙනස් වීම් තුළින් ද බිත්තර විනාශ වීමේ අවධානමක් පවතී.

අතීතයේදී කැස්බෑ මාංශ සහ බිත්තර වෙළඳාම සාමන්‍ය පරිදි සිදු විය. වර්තමානය වන විට එය සම්පූර්ණයෙන්ම තහනම් කර තිබූ නමුත් මේ වන විටත් පෞද්ගලික වාසිය තකා ඇතැමුන් වෙරළ ප්‍රදේශ වල ගැවසෙමින් කැස්බෑ බිත්තර සොරකම් කර විකිණීමට පෙළඹී තිබේ. ඒ සඳහා නිසි නීතිමය ක්‍රියාමාර්ග නිසියාකාරව ක්‍රියාත්මක නොවීමත් මෙවැනි තත්තව මගහරවා ගැනීමට නොහැකි විමට තවත් එක් හේතුවකි.

කැස්බෑවකු ආසන්න වශයෙන් වරකට බිත්තර 80-150 අතර ප්‍රමාණයක් මුදාහරින නමුත් විශාල කැස්බෑවකු ලෙස වර්ධනය වී ඉතිරිවන්නෙ 1/1000 ක් වැනි ඉතාමත් සීමිත සංඛ්‍යාවකි. ඒ සඳහා ඉහත සඳහන් වූ හේතූන්ට අමතරව වෙරළ තීරයේ කෘතීම ආලෝකකරණය, දේශගුණික විපර්යාසවල බලපෑම්, සාගරයට මුදාහරින අපද්‍රව්‍ය, නාවික තෙල් කාන්දු වීම්, සාගර පත්ලේ කැණීම්, මත්ස්‍ය කර්මාන්තයේදී භාවිතා කරන මසුන් ඇල්ලීමේ දැල් වැනී දෑ හේතුවෙන් කුඩා කැස්බෑ පැටවුන්ටද විශාල කැස්බෑවුන්ටද නිරන්තරයෙන් හානි සිදුවනවා මෙන්ම ඔවුන්ගේ අහාර රටා, වාසස්ථාන සහ උෂ්ණත්වය මත සිදුවන කැස්බෑවන්ගේ ලිංගිකත්වයේ වෙනස් වීම් සඳහාද බලපෑම් එල්ල කරනු ඇත.

අලුත උපන් කුඩා කැස්බෑවන් රාත්‍රී කාලයේදී චුම්බක ක්ෂේත්‍රය පදනම් කරගනිමින් පැය 48ක් පුරාවට එක දිගට පිහිනීම’Swimming Frenzy’ සිදු කරන බවට පරීක්ෂණාත්මකව තොරතුරු ඉදිරිපත් වෙමින් පවතින අතර ඒ අනුව බිත්තර වලින් එලියට පැමිණෙන කැස්බෑ පැටවුන් මුහුදට නිදහස් කිරීම ප්‍රමාද වුවහොත් ‘Swimming Frenzy’ අහිමි වීමත් සමග ඔවුන්ගේ පිහිනීමේ ජවය දුර්වල වීමට ඉතා ඉහළ ප්‍රවණතාවයක් පවතී. එමෙන්ම දහවල් කාලයේදී ඔවුන් මුහුද වෙත මුදා හැරීමේදී විලෝපිකයින්ගේ ගොදුරු බවට පත්විම සහ නොයෙකුත් අනතුරු සඳහා මුහුණ දීමටද සිදු වනු ඇත.

කෙසේ වුවත් මුහුදු කැස්බෑවන් ඉතාමත් වැදගත් හා වටිනාකමක් උසුලන සත්ත්ව කොට්ඨාශයකි. සදාචාර සම්පන්න සහ සිතීමේ බුද්ධිය නොමද වශයෙන් ඇති මිනිසුන් වශයෙන් වඳවී යාමේ තර්ජනයට ලක් වී සිටින මුහුදු කැස්බෑවන් ආරක්ෂා කිරීම උදෙසා කටයුතු කිරීමට අප සියල්ලන්ම වගබලාගත යුතු නොවේ ද?

Introduction to Mariculture

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 11:33:47 +0000

By Janya Edirisinghe

Mariculture, commonly known as marine farming, is a specialised subset of aquaculture, that is practiced in seawater habitats and lagoons as opposed to in freshwater aquaculture. Fish like sea bream, cod, halibut, and sea bass are examples of products cultivated through mariculture. It accounts for about 40% of the world’s aquaculture production. Countries such as China, Japan and Indonesia are some of the top mariculture-producing countries.

What are the types of Mariculture?

Mollusk Culture

Clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels are popular sea animals that can be farmed in regions with temperate climates. The process of mariculture involves initially collecting larvae from natural habitats or artificially fertilized larvae grown in hatcheries. Usually, parents are captured and taken to spawn their children in captivity.

Then, the larvae are taken to a different location to grow where hanging culture is practised, where they can grow suspended on strings, trays, stacks or mesh bags that hang from long lines floating in the water.

A few other methods of growing molluscs include vertical/rack culture, where they grow directly on sticks staked into the ground or on racks upheld by posts and bottom culture in which clams, for example, grow on shells, rocks or cement slabs on the sea floor. Also, molluscs such as abalone are grown in tanks.

Crustacean culture

Shrimp are mostly grown in tropical regions. Initially, the babies are grown in hatcheries, and they are then taken to grow in ponds, concrete raceways, and tanks. The shrimp ponds used to be located in rice fields and mangrove forests all around the world, but the subsequent destruction of mangrove areas has encouraged farmers to grow shrimp in inland ponds filled with transported seawater instead.

Marine Plant Culture

Most marine aquatic plants such as seaweed are grown in temperate regions. The plants used for breeding are originally sourced from their natural environment. Most farmed plants tend to be grown in hatcheries and once they reach a certain life stage, the plants are transferred to grow sites where the young plants are grown attached to suspended lines or floating rafts, in bottom cultures anchored to the sea floor and in inland tanks, similar to the way that molluscs are grown.

Finfish culture

Finfish are farmed in both temperate and tropical regions. Their defining feature is that they have fins and an example of a finfish includes salmon, which is also an example of a diadromous fish and these are the types of fish that migrate between the ocean and freshwater. Marine farming involves raising these diadromous fish.

Farmed finfish are first born in hatcheries and are then put into tanks and transferred to growth sites after the fertilised eggs hatch.

Finfish can be grown in pens, cages and large tanks. Pens are anchored to the sea floor in shallow waters. Cages can be located inshore or offshore. Inshore cages are usually in shallow waters with more protected areas that have less water circulation compared to offshore cages that are in deep water which has better water circulation and more exposure to storms.

The fish can also be grown in ponds that feature canals and dikes to help supply and drain water from pond compartments. Recirculating systems are used to control the water supplied to these ponds and factors such as temperature, as well as physical and chemical properties are taken into consideration.

Finfish are also subject to methods of growing called enhancement and ranching. At the inception, the fish are released at a young age to help restock free-living populations. Afterwards, the fish are captured in open waters that are artificially enclosed. Sea ranching is a method of mariculture that is also used to grow molluscs, crustaceans, marine plants and other marine organisms.

Over time, the raising of fish in cages close to the shore or in bays has caused severe ecological issues including contamination, disease, increased fish mortality, and severe damage to marine ecology, quality of the environment, and tourism.

To conclude, although world fish production from capture fisheries levelled off during the 1990s, demand for seafood continues to increase rapidly. This is because of the growth of the human population and the widespread view that seafood is healthy food. Scientists believe that the natural products from the ocean will not increase so to meet the rise in demand for seafood, both mariculture and fresh-water aquaculture will have to increase significantly. However, while several species are being reared successfully by marine culturists, various desirable species such as crabs and lobsters are very difficult to rear due to their life cycles being difficult to control under culture conditions or simply because they are way too complex.

Header Image: A fish farm off the coast of Greece. Photo by Artur Rydzewski