Fulfilling long-standing demands from environmentalists and ornamental fish producers, the Ministry of Fisheries has decided to introduce strict regulations against four invasive foreign fish species that pose a serious threat to Sri Lanka’s aquatic ecosystems and local fisheries.

A special gazette notification containing these regulations, drafted under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 2 of 1996, is expected to be issued within the next month following approval by the Legal Draftsman’s Department.

Under the new rules, the following invasive fish species will be completely prohibited from being imported, bred, sold, or kept in possession in Sri Lanka: Piranha (Piranha- Pygocentrus spp), Giant Knifefish (Chitala SPP),  Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) and edline Snakehead (hanna micropeltes).

The ban covers importing or exporting, possession, breeding, transporting, selling or exhibiting for sale, and releasing into any body of water.

Commenting on the move, National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) Chairman Kithsiri Dharmaweera said: “These invasive species pose a grave threat to the balance of Sri Lanka’s aquatic ecosystems. Environmentalists and responsible producers in the sector have long urged legal action.

Following extensive consultations with all stakeholders, we decided to draft these special regulations under the 1996 Act. Once cleared by the Legal Draftsman’s Department, they will be gazetted without delay. This is a decisive step to protect our local fish resources and aquatic environment.”

He said that the objective of the regulations is to safeguard Sri Lanka’s sensitive aquatic ecosystems from invasive alien species and thereby ensure the sustainability of the country’s fisheries industry.

By Aruna Boghawatte ✍️