High-seas Fisheries Management

Protecting Marine Resources, Sustaining Livelihoods

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High-Seas Fisheries Management: 1,803 semi-industrial multiday boats (10.4 to 20.0 m) were licensed to fish beyond Sri Lanka’s EEZ in 2024. Sri Lanka’s high-seas, multiday boat fisheries operate from 22 harbours located around the island. Sri Lanka’s high-seas fisheries operate in international waters throughout the western, northern and eastern Indian Ocean. During the northeast monsoon (November to January) multiday boats operate between and beyond the Maldives, northwards to the edge of the EEZs of Pakistan, Oman, Yemen and Seychelles in the Arabian Sea and to the south towards and beyond the EEZ surrounding the Chagos Archipelago. During the southwest monsoon (May to July) many Sri Lankan multiday boats switch their fishing operations beyond Sri Lanka’s EEZ to international waters in the Bay of Bengal.

Sri Lanka’s longline, multiday fishing fleet harvested 33,000 mt of yellowfin tuna in 2024. Big-eye tuna, swordfish, sailfish and three species of marlin are also important species harvested by the longline, multiday high-seas fishery (9,570 mt in 2024).

Useful links and downloads Fisheries Operation Division, DFAR

 

Our Approach & Methodology

Pelagikos begins with evidence-based assessment, analyzing fisheries, ecosystems and community needs to design practical and sustainable management strategies.

We implement solutions collaboratively with communities, industry, and government, ensuring compliance, monitoring, and long-term conservation impact.

Get in touch with us today to discuss further.

Key focus

Pelagikos focuses on sustainable fisheries management, protecting marine biodiversity, and preventing illegal fishing, ensuring responsible use of Sri Lanka’s coastal, offshore, and high-seas resources.

  • Sustainable Fisheries Management
  • Conservation & Protection.
  • Compliance & Illegal Fishing Prevention

Expertise in Marine Fishery

Pelagikos offers expert guidance on managing Sri Lanka’s marine fisheries, blending scientific research, community collaboration, and policy support to promote sustainable practices.

  • Sustainable management of all marine fisheries
  • Protection of marine biodiversity
  • Combatting illegal and unregulated fishing

Frequently asked questions

What services does Pelagikos provide for Sri Lanka’s fisheries?

Pelagikos offers expert guidance on fisheries management, marine conservation, policy support, and sustainable seafood practices across coastal, offshore, and high-seas fisheries.

How does Pelagikos support sustainable seafood and marine conservation?

We promote responsible fishing practices, protect marine biodiversity, develop marine protected areas, and reduce the impact of fishing on endangered and protected species.

Which communities and organizations does Pelagikos collaborate with?

Pelagikos works closely with fishing communities, seafood exporters, government agencies, and non-government organizations to improve fisheries management and ensure sustainability.

What is the current status of Sri Lanka’s marine fisheries?

Sri Lanka’s marine fisheries include coastal, offshore, and high-seas sectors, supporting thousands of fishermen while facing challenges like overfishing and ecosystem pressures.

Why is marine conservation important for Sri Lanka?

Marine conservation ensures sustainable fish stocks, protects biodiversity, and supports livelihoods, while maintaining the health of coastal and offshore ecosystems.
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