Project Introduction

The fishery is managed as a single multi-species fishery, and although the project will focus on research of GFP, some aspects of the research will involve the entire fishery, particularly modelling of stocking and yields. This will provide benefits for production of all species, with an emphasis on enhancement of GFP production through specific research of stocking practices, production dynamics, interactive affects among stocked and naturally recruited species, harvest and socio-economic aspects of the fishery and the supply chain. It should be noted that all products (fish and prawns) arising from CBF have a better reputation for consumers than equivalent products from traditional aquaculture.

The project aims to introduce a robust, science-based management regime for the culture-based fishery of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and finfish species in Sri Lankan reservoirs, and improve facets of the supply chain that will ensure long term sustainability, improve productivity, profitability, livelihoods and incomes of local men and women, and impact positively on overall rural wellbeing. For that purpose, Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) initiated a collaborative research project with James Cook University (JCU), Australia, the University of Ruhuna (RU), Wayamba University (WU), and the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) of Sri Lanka to develop inland fisheries in reservoirs of Sri Lanka.  

CBF-related ecological and limnological aspects are assessed by the University of Ruhuna (RU) and represented by the project coordinator Dr. Asanka Jayasinghe and collaborative scientist Prof. Ashoka Deepananda. There are five research assistants in the RU research team.

 University of Kelaniya (UoK) is represented by the project Co-leader Professor Upali Amarsinghe, Prof. Mohottala Kularatne, Dr Shamen Vidanage, and Dr. Chintha Perera. There are four research assistants in the Kelaniya research team.

NAQDA is stocking giant freshwater prawn post-larvae (GFP PL) for project-related 48 reservoirs. The production, transport, and stocking of the GFP PL’s, their growth and catch are assessed by Wayamba University scientists Prof Dileepa Croos and Dr. Kelum Wijenayake. There are four research assistants in the WU research team.