The booming prawn
industry in Sri Lanka
has Worried environmentalists. They fear
that mangroves will
be destroyed to make way
for prawn farms and that prime
land will be encroached upon,
resulting in the destruction of fish
breeding grounds and damaging
biodiversity. Besides, the waste
from the enterprises will add to the
pollution.
The focus of the controversy is
the Chilaw lake in the northwestern
province, where prawn farmers
have set up many ponds of about 12
ha each. according to a Panos
report. These ponds yield about
50.000 prawns per ha. which sell for
approximately Rs 400 each in the US
and Japan.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.