Vision Sri Lanka to be the leader of conservation and sustainable utilization of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the South Asian Region. Mission Managing the utilization of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for the benefit of the present and future generation ABOUT MINISTRY Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development is the apex organization in Sri Lanka for the Fisheries sector. The Ministry directly engages itself with the formulation of policies, strategies and plans on sustainable utilization of fisheries resources in Sri Lanka. Different organizations have been established under the Ministry to implement the national and sectoral policies formulated by the Ministry. Under the " Mahinda Chinthana " fisheries sector has achieved a great leap forward with the implementation of newly formed projects and programmes, it is evident that the national policy objectives would be achieved. Ministry is responsible for the administration of marine fisheries sector in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 517,000 square kilometers and 489,000 hectares of the brackish & freshwater fisheries sectors. Contributing to 1.3 percent of the GDP of Sri Lanka, the fisheries sector provides 70 percent of the animal protein intake in the country. In addition to playing a major role by contributing to food security and ensuring the nutrition of the population, the sector provides about 540,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Further, it plays a major role in foreign exchange earnings and present annual contribution is about US$ 200 million. Policy Objectives To improve nutritional status and food security of the population of Sri Lanka by increasing the national fish production. To minimize post-harvest losses and to improve quality and safety of fish products to accepted standards. To increase employment opportunities in fisheries and related industries, and to improve the socio-economic status of the fisher community. To increase foreign exchange earnings by promoting value added fish exports. To conserve the aquatic environment for the sustainable utilization of future generations. To promote fishery based recreational facilities. Key Functions of the Ministry Development of marine brackish water and fresh water fisheries. Formulation and Implementation of policies and programmes. Expansion and development of fishery harbours and anchorages to accommodate demand while responding environmental hazards. Development of sustainable utilization of national aquatic Resources. Implementation of programmes to improve product quality to meet international standards. Cutting edge research and development to facilitate the concern of popularize traditional fish area of local and foreign fishery industry. Export fish products, ornamental fish, smoked fish and others to suit international dema