NARA Chairman Dr Sanath Hettiarachchi said this was a common risk affecting marine ecosystems in many countries around the world, and not Sri Lanka alone.He pointed out that the situation had not arisen suddenly, noting that a decline in fish harvests in waters around Sri Lanka had been reported since 2014.Although no single specific factor has been identified as the cause of the decline in fish harvests, changes taking place in the ecosystem have been identified as the main contributing factor. He added that the impact of the El Niño phenomenon had not been conclusively established so far.If the crisis continues to worsen over the long term, attention is being given to directing fishing communities towards alternative employment opportunities to safeguard their livelihoods. A special program to promote fish farming has also been launched as a possible solution. However, the Chairman said the progress made under the program so far was not satisfactory.

Meanwhile, National Fisheries Solidarity Movement Convener Herman Kumara alleged that the failure to properly enforce laws against the use of banned fishing nets and destructive fishing gear was a major reason for the depletion of fish resources.