The Fisheries Ministry reports that Cyclone Ditwah has caused losses to the fisheries sector amounting to nearly Rs.8 billion.

The damage to the marine fisheries sector alone is estimated at Rs.1.8 billion, while the freshwater and aquaculture sectors suffered losses of around Rs.5.85 billion. Officials revealed these figures at a media briefing held yesterday (23) at the Fisheries Ministry. Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister  Ramalingam Chandrasekar presided over the briefing, attended by Ministry Secretary Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Susantha Kahawatta and Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority Kithsiri Dharmapriya.

According to ministry reports, the cyclone completely destroyed six multi-day fishing trawlers, while 51 others sustained partial damage. Additionally, 105 fibre boats with outboard motors were completely destroyed, and 210 of the same type were partially damaged.

The disaster also destroyed five mechanised boats and partially damaged 34 traditional mechanised fishing boats. A total of 209 traditional vessels, including theppam and canoes, were completely destroyed, with another 157 partially damaged. Three beach seine (madel) boats were lost, and 11 were partially damaged. Seven fishing vessels with inboard engines were also completely destroyed, and 13 sustained partial damage.

Furthermore, 134 fishing nets were damaged due to being washed away or entangled in the floods caused by the cyclone. The storm destroyed 17 fish processing centres, 12 ice plants, 15 fisheries community halls, and damaged 30 boat manufacturing yards.

The National Aquaculture Development Authority reported that Cyclone Ditwah caused losses of Rs.5.85 billion to the freshwater and aquaculture sector. The impact on high-export-earning segments such as ornamental fish, prawns, and sea cucumbers exceeded Rs. 3.4 billion.

The cyclone damaged 699 tanks used in the freshwater fishing industry.The opening of sluice gates resulted in fish and fingerlings being washed away.

In the freshwater sector, 499 canoes were completely destroyed, and 314 were partially damaged. The authority also noted the destruction of numerous fish cages, ponds, and other freshwater fish farming sites.

Source - https://dailynews.lk