News
Invasive plant posing threat to inland fisheries
The inland fisheries sector is being threatened by a fast spread of pond moss and a type of thorny weed which is fast spreading into tanks (reservoirs)
The thorny branches of these weeds damage fishing nets and pose a major problem to families involved in inland fishing.
The weed which grows to around a metre in height, is said to be alien to this country. It is believed the weed spread to this country via flocks of migratory ducks which come from the wetlands of Slovenia
The plant is also proving to be an obstacle to the fishing boats which operate in the tanks.
Cyril Ratnayake an inland fisherman complained the water moss which grows at the bottom of the tanks made identifying areas where shoals of fish gather difficult.
He was of the opinion that it may become necessary to introduce a variety of fish which live off the moss to counter its spread.
Dr.Wasantha Welianga a biologist from Rajarata University said the moss was initially identified in the Madhu Ganga and had spread to other waterways by pond herons and other water birds.
He added it was difficult to control the spread of pond moss and it may be necessary the introduction of an organism to counter the growth of the moss.
The invasive plant known as katupasi (right) and a migrant duck