Oceanpick (Pvt) Ltd., an oceanic farm operator, recently distributed fingerlings free to small-scale fish farmers across the island to bolster national fish production and to improve their livelihoods and food security.
Officials of the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA) were also present.
Head of Operations at Oceanpick, Dan Richardson said, “Over the years our facility has played a significant role in responsible farming that produces all-natural, nutrient-rich, and superior quality seafood, underscoring the sustainability of our facility and overall operations.
“However, smallholder fish farmers are as crucial for the future growth of the fisheries sector. We felt the need to step in to strengthen connections by combining our resources, with the aim to both boost production as well as help restore livelihoods,” he said.
At the Oceanpick facility, Sea Bass fingerlings are first allowed to hatch out and grow in the company’s on-shore nursery located close to the sea sites, and are then transferred to sea cages anchored to the ocean floor, where strict biosecurity standards are maintained and the waters constantly monitored for temperature and salinity. Last year, Oceanpick facilitated the growth of over a million fingerlings, and as a result, were able to produce a surplus that is now able to benefit the growth of the fisheries sector in more ways than one.