| Author | Wijesekara, R. G. S. |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. AS-98-07 |
| Subject(s) | Ornamental fishes--Sri Lanka
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Sri Lanka generates approximately US$ 8 million through export of ornamental fish
and plants (EDB, 1998). Ornamental fish breeding, nursing and growing techniques are
available with commercial growers. Presently the aquarium fish market is dominated by a few
exporters. Small-scale growers depend on technology and market of commercial growers and
exp011ers. Looking at the present situation, it is a timely requirement to identify the present
technologies availa'.bl«r in the industry, market potential and supply network to expand the
industry into rural areas. A survey was carried out to analyze the present status on
technological, marketing, economic and institutional framework and to evaluate economic and
marketing feasibility for extending ornamental fish activities to rural areas.
Fifteen government institutions and two non-government institutions are involved with
various activities of ornamental fish industry. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Development and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency are the
major institutes, which are responsible for the development of ornamental fish industry in Sri
Lanka. Modification df existing institutiorral framework is required to expand the industry.
Ornamental fish market network consists of local aquarium and export market.
Earning from local market is about US$ 220,000 per year. Most of the aquarium operators do
not engage in breeding and grow-out practices. There are approximately 20 exporters engaged
in exporting ornamental fish species. Out of the total ornamental fish export, Guppy represent
the largest portion (65%), but marine fish bring in the highest foreign exchange (54% of total).
In Sri Lanka ornamental fish breeding practices are similar to those of other countries ·
in the .region. Induced fish breeding using hormones is not practiced by the fish breeders.
Approximately 43 fish species presently .breed, including 8 indigenous fish species. Out of
total fish breeding,,about 40% is live bearing fishes and, about 30% of total live bearings are
Guppy. Grow-out practices are carried out ~n cement tanks and ea11hen ponds. No improved
technologies such as water re-circulation are used for growing practices. Among the growing
species highest percentage (25%) is guppy.
High capital investment and operational cost are involved with export activity.
Ornamental fish exporting give the highest ne.t profit and the contract farming result in the
lowest net profit. Internal Rate of Reruns for all activities (IRR) are above the prevailing
interest rate of the country (ranging from 31-71 %), therefore investing money for ornamental
fish project is advisable. Pay back period is less than one year for all activities except contract
farming system. As resources are available extension of ornamental fish industry to rural areas
by providing necessary technology, financial assistance and marketing facilities would help to
solve burning youth unemployment problem in the country. |
| Year | 1998 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems (AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yakupitiyage, Amararatne; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Hambrey, J. B. ;Bart, Amrit; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Development Bank-Japan; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998 |