A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998

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 ext~nsion of ornamental fish industry to rural areas by provid!ng necessary technology, financial assistance and marketing facilities would help to solve burning youth unemployment problem in the country.