Jayantha Wijeyaratne Ph.D. Vice-Chancellor and Chair of Zoology University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka

Introduction Shellfish production Policies Reasons for degradation Restoration efforts Conservation management Outline

–Production of Crustaceans has decreased since 2003 due to disease outbreaks in culture systems. –But the production of mollusks has increased mainly due to increasing demand

Shrimp- Wild caught and cultured Crabs- Wild caught - some are fattened in cages Lobsters- Wild caught Mollusks- Wild caught

–Protection of environment is given due recognition in Sri Lanka. –In the constitution of Sri Lanka also it is stated that the protection of the environment is the duty of every citizen.

–Many Acts of Parliament dealing with environmental protection had been enacted. –Some of them are directly relevant to protection of shellfish habitats. These are - National Environmental Act of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996

Regulations Some fishing methods and gear are banned. (Trawling and dredging of the sea bed to collect chanks is prohibited) There is a minimum catchable size for chanks (Purchasing, exhibiting for sale, selling, transporting, exporting or keeping in possession of chanks less than 70 mm in diameter are prohibited.

–Closed seasons for catching of lobsters (From February to September catching of lobsters is prohibited) –Minimum catchable size has been imposed for lobsters (for some species carapace length should not be less than 10 cm or tail length should not be less than14 cm). Catching lobsters carrying eggs is prohibited –Catching lobsters in soft shell condition is also prohibited Removing eggs from lobsters is also prohibited. Regulations Continued

Regulations Continued Major development projects needs environmental approval Environmental Impact Assessments have to be done. Environmental Protection Licenses have to be obtained. The standards for effluents have beengazetted.

Increased inflow of fresh water due to diversion of rivers for agricultural purposes has also destroyed oyster beds

Increased sedimentation due to –deforestation –agriculture in marginal lands –sand mining has resulted in –Blocking of water exchange channels –Reduction of depth Leading to a reduction of recruitment of shrimp larvae

Restoration efforts Dredging of canals Replanting of mangroves

Conservation Management Conducting EIAs for major development projects Requirement of environmental protection licences for industries Stipulating standards for effluents Declaring closed seasons Stipulating minimum catchable sizes

Banning some fishing methods Conducting community awareness programs -By professional organizations -Government organizations -NGOs Implementation of management decisions with community participation Continued Conservation Management

Thank You!