A large-scale fish restocking initiative was launched at Castlereigh Reservoir on Wednesday, introducing fingerlings that are expected to provide affordable protein for estate communities while creating income opportunities for local fishermen.
The Castlereigh Reservoir Fisheries Society oversaw the release of 66,000 fish fingerlings into the reservoir as part of a development project aimed at addressing both nutritional needs and economic challenges within nearby plantation communities. The fingerlings were sourced from the Udawalawe Fish Breeding Centre using funds mobilized by the local society.
According to project organisers, the fingerlings are projected to mature to approximately 1.5 kilograms per fish within a six-month timeframe. Once harvested, the fish are intended to be made available to estate residents at below-market rates, addressing food security concerns in the region. The initiative also targets the commercial fishing sector, with freshwater fish expected to find ready markets among hospitality businesses in the surrounding areas.
Beyond immediate consumption benefits, the project is designed to strengthen the economic position of local fishermen through expanded income streams. The combined focus on affordable food access and livelihood enhancement reflects an approach that seeks to address multiple development needs within the community simultaneously.
