Left to Right) Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka hands over the AI-Driven Quality Assessment App to Mr Susantha Kahawatta

FAO Introduces Cutting-Edge Technologies to Enhance Resilience in Sri Lanka's Fisheries with Norwegian Funding

SRI LANKA
Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 10:00 (GMT + 9)

With support from the Norwegian government, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched an initiative to bolster resilience and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector.

This project includes the handover of a multi-day fishing boat equipped with advanced cooling systems and fuel-saving bulbous bow technology, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, lowering fuel costs, and improving fish quality for both local consumption and export.

Strengthening Resilience with Advanced Cooling Technology

Multi-day fishing vessels play a crucial role in Sri Lanka's deep-sea fishing industry, especially for tuna exports. Traditionally, these vessels use ice to preserve fish, but this method often compromises fish quality, resulting in substantial post-harvest losses. An FAO Fish Loss and Waste (FLW) Assessment in 2022-2023 found that quality loss affected an average of 41.4% of the catch in Sri Lanka's multi-day fisheries.

To counter this, FAO has introduced a state-of-the-art cooling system on a newly constructed vessel, ensuring fish remain at optimal temperatures throughout extended voyages. This advanced cooling solution significantly reduces spoilage and waste, improving the resilience and profitability of fishing operations.

The multi-day fishing vessel was equipped with advanced cooling technology to combat post-harvest fish quality loss

Improving Fuel Efficiency with Bulbous Bow Technology

Fuel consumption is a major cost factor for Sri Lanka's fishing industry, with multi-day vessels typically using between 8,000 and 11,000 liters of diesel per trip at a cost of 3 to 4 million LKR. To reduce this expense, FAO provided technical support for installing a bulbous bow on the vessel, a design feature that reduces wave resistance and leads to a 13% improvement in fuel efficiency.

This fuel-saving technology offsets additional cooling system energy requirements and delivers long-term economic benefits for vessel owners. While the installation cost of approximately 1 million LKR was covered by the boat owner, FAO's support underscores the potential for private-sector involvement in adopting sustainable practices.

The multi-day fishing vessel was equipped with bulbous bow technology to increase fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs in multi-day fishing

Empowering Fishers with AI-Powered Quality Assessment Tools

Sri Lankan fishers often face challenges in obtaining fair prices due to limited knowledge of quality standards. To address this, FAO developed an AI-driven mobile app that enables fishers to assess the quality of their catch based on export-grade Yellowfin Tuna standards.

Through a simple photo upload, fishers receive immediate quality feedback, helping them negotiate better prices and access more equitable market opportunities. This tool strengthens the resilience of fishing communities by promoting fairer pricing and improving market transparency.

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative in Sri Lanka, and Mr. M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources, officially inaugurate the modified multi-day fishing vessel

A Commitment to Sustainable and Resilient Fisheries

The FAO's suite of innovations—handed over to Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources—forms part of a broader effort to foster resilience within the fisheries sector. By introducing modern cooling, fuel-efficient technologies, and AI-based assessment tools, the FAO is driving a transformative shift toward economic and environmental sustainability in Sri Lankan fisheries. This approach not only promotes sustainable practices but also empowers local fishing communities with tools for long-term success.

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