News
Scientists rediscover Freshwater Moray here after 84 years
By Ifham Nizam
Sri Lankan scientists have recently rediscovered Gymnothorax polyuranodon, commonly called Freshwater Moray, after 84 years, last sighted here in 1937.The fresh discovery has been made by a team comprising research scientists Hiranya Sudasinghe, Tharindu Ranasinghe and Lukas Rüber.
Tharindu Ranasinghe told The Sunday Island that Gymnothorax polyuranodon, commonly called Freshwater Moray, is unique among Morays due to the fact that the adults of this species inhabit freshwaters and low salinity environments all year round.
Originally described from Indonesia, G. polyuranodon has been reported from countries bordering the tropical Indo-Pacific, from Indonesia to Fiji, including the wet tropics of Australia.
Gymnothorax polyuranodon was first recorded from Sri Lanka by P.E.P. Deraniyagala in 1937 from Kahangama and Dodangoda.
“There have been no other records of this species from Sri Lanka ever since.
In 2021, a photograph depicting a moray eel caught at Wakwella by a fisherman was forwarded to one of the authors (TR) for identification,” he said.
A sample of gill tissue was obtained from the dead specimen for DNA barcoding and this genetic sequence was well matched with other Gymnothorax polyuranodon genetic sequences confirming the identity of the recently discovered specimen from Sri Lanka.
Gymnothorax polyuranodon is one of the most elusive freshwater fishes in Sri Lanka and more research needs to be done to figure out the ecology, life history and the distribution of this enigmatic species in Sri Lanka. “
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
News
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
It has been recognized that there is potential to develop selected places within. the Pelawatte Sugar Factory, owned by Lanka Sugar (Private) Company Limited, as locations of tourist attraction.
Hence, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship
Development to call for expressions of interest following the prescribed procurement guidelines to identify suitable investors and to invite project proposals from eligible investors to develop the selected locations under Public-Private Partnership method.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the decision of the Food Policy and Security Committee to maintain the minimum purchasing price of 1 kg of Nadu paddy of prescribed standard at Rs. 120 and to increase the minimum purchasing price of 1 kg of Samba from Rs. 125 to Rs. 130 and the minimum purchasing price of Kiri Samba from Rs. 132 to Rs. 140.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
Minimum purchasing price of Samba and Kiri Samba paddy incresed
Showers in the Northern, North-central, Uva, Western, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Central provinces and Galle and Matara districts
Govt. extends ban on LTTE
Police obtain court order banning Wimal’s protest
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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