The first cage fish farming project at the Yan Oya Reservoir has recorded a successful harvest, generating an income of nearly Rs. 700,000, according to the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA).
The pilot project, implemented by NAQDA, recorded its first harvest on Thursday (15), producing a total of 1,202 kilograms of fish from 2,996 fish, with a reported income of Rs. 696,000.
The fish were sold at a rate of Rs. 600 per kilogram, with the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation purchasing 500 kilograms and a private fish trader in the area purchasing another 660 kilograms.
Under the project, the rearing of 15,000 fish fingerlings commenced on May 18, 2026. Subsequently, 3,600 advanced fingerlings weighing over 50 grams each were introduced into a circular cage on July 30.
According to NAQDA, this marks the first time a circular cage has been used in Sri Lanka for the commercial-scale production of fish for human consumption.
The initiative was introduced as part of efforts to address the country’s annual fish shortage, which requires an additional 300,000 metric tonnes of fish, while also strengthening the rural economy.
NAQDA Chairman Kithsiri Dharmapriya, along with officials and members of the Yan Oya fishing community, participated in the harvesting event. (Newswire)
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