Trincomalee, November 10 - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (MFAR) distributed 85 engines, 2 952 nets and 10 000 long lines to approximately 344 fishers in Trincomalee today. This distribution of fishing equipment was made as part of two separate projects funded by the Governments of Japan and Belgium.
Over 31 000 people were killed and almost a million left homeless after tidal waves hit Sri Lanka's shoreline on 26 December 2004. According to government estimates, 54 percent of the total fishing fleet was either made un-seaworthy or was totally destroyed by the tsunami.
FAO distributed 100 bundles of 100 long lines to tsunami affected fishers. The bundles, including pre-assembled lines composed of hooks, floats swivels and lines, are valued at US$44 270. Long lines catch much fewer fish than nets and are slightly more labour intensive, but this method of fishing greatly increases the value of the catch.
"Tuna caught with long lines fetch prices up to 200 percent greater than tuna caught with nets due to the increased freshness of the fish." said FAO Master Fisherman and Fishing Gear Specialist Cyril Binduhewa
A total of 309 kits, including 2 952 hurulla, or trenched sardine, nets were distributed to 159 beneficiaries as part of a project funded by the Japanese Government. This brings the total number of nets distributed by the project to approximately 9 000.
Engines were distributed to boat owners who have their boats registered with the Department of Fisheries. The Belgian funded project provided 72 of the 85 engines distributed, while the Japanese funded project accounted for the other thirteen. The new engines will ensure that 85 more boats return to sea, and an estimated 170 fishers will resume their livelihoods. FAO has already distributed 350 outboard engines through the Belgian and Japanese funded projects.
FAO and MFAR will continue to distribute necessary fishing inputs to tsunami affected fishers in Trincomalee over the coming two months. FAO has faced major constraints in acquiring some fishing related supplies like nets and engines for distribution in Sri Lanka. This is due in large part to the high demand for fishing gear throughout the disaster affected region in the post-tsunami context. After encountering great difficulties, FAO has located reliable suppliers, allowing it to continue its essential gear replacement programme as planned.
FAO is the UN's coordinating agency for the rehabilitation of the fisheries and agriculture sectors in Sri Lanka. Whilst FAO and the Sri Lankan government's immediate priority following the tsunami disaster has been to get the fishers fishing and farmers farming again as soon as possible, the longer-term strategy is to improve the sectors as a whole with a view to raising the incomes of coastal communities.
For more information contact Mona Chaya, FAO Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Coordinator in Sri Lanka Tel: 011-2689363 / 4