8 Policy for Conservation, management and exploitation of Marine
Fisheries Resources.
Presently marine fisheries resources contribute about 25% of the total annual fisheries harvest. Of
the total marine harvests, about 95% come from small-scale fishery sector. The exploitation of
marine fisheries is mainly confined within 40-meter depth. Seventy-three trawlers approved by
the Cabinet Division are engaged in the exploitation of marine fish. Total annual harvest of the
marine sector is about 12,000 tonnes, of which the contribution of shrimp is about 5,000 tonnes.
The main objective of marine fisheries resource policy is to have a proper management system
and to maintain the marine harvest at a sustainable level.
8.1 Analysis and utilisation of the results from previous fisheries surveys:
8.1.1 Critical analysis of the previous surveys will be done with the help of local and
foreign specialists to formulate specific recommendations to measure the nature
and extent of the marine resources.
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8.1.2 Results of the analysis of the past surveys will be interpreted and extended to the
owners of the marine trawlers, mechanised boats and fisher’s communities. .
8.1.3 Information collection will be continued through surveys and if necessary,
surveys will be conducted in new fishing grounds. For this purpose manpower
will be developed. Emphasis will also be given to gather information, data and
statistics from fishers. Based on the analysis of this information, booklets with,
recommendations on the status and trends of the resource, its conservation needs
and techniques, and improved harvesting methods shall be prepared and
distributed.
8.1.4 Research studies will be undertaken to collect information regarding the presence
and abundance of pelagic fish, like tuna, mackerel, etc., in the exclusive
economic zone of the country.
8.1.5 Harvest of fish and shrimp by the trawlers in the shallow coastal areas (within 40-
meter depth) will be banned.
8.1.6 Measures will be taken for deep-sea surveys and depending on the information
collected, consideration will be given to carry out joint venture exploitation
activities with foreign countries.
8.1.7 Necessary research activities will be taken for the development of the marine
fisheries resources.
8.2 Conservation of marine biological resources
8.2.1 According to the previous surveys, the exploitation of fish and shrimp has
reached the maximum harvestable yield (MHY). . To save the marine resources
from further decline strict measures will be taken against increase in mechanised
or non-mechanised boats engaged in fish harvest in the marine zones. The size of
the fleet of fishing trawlers will be fixed and controlled in accordance with the
present status of the fisheries resources.
8.2.2 Behundi nets (set bag net) are destructive to fry and juveniles of shrimp. The
exact number of these nets and the quantity of shrimp harvested by them shall be
determined and on the basis of this information, conservation measures shall be
taken. Spawning grounds will be conserved to ensure natural breeding in the sea.
8.2.3 Large quantities of shrimp fry are produced in the sea from undisturbed spawning
and the coastal rivers and canals become rich in shrimp fry. Therefore, bans will
be imposed to harvest bagda, chaka and horina shrimps from their breeding
grounds and migration routes during the specific breeding season. Areas will be
selected in the marine zone as sanctuaries where fishing will be banned so that
spawning can continue undisturbed.
8.2.4 Practical approaches will be extended to harvest, collect and utilise trash fish.
8.2.5 Measures will be taken to protect marine fish stocks from indiscriminate fishing.
8.2.6 Appropriate preventive measures will be taken against dumping of hazardous
chemicals and nuclear wastes into the sea.
8.2.7 Appropriate technologies will be adopted to conserve fisheries resources and to
increase production.