Sri Lanka’s very first sea cages have been stocked with Barramundi juveniles by fish farming company Oceanpick.
Oceanpick began its journey to supply responsibly farmed Barramundi in 2011, and extensive studies were carried out to assess the sea, seabed and other organism conditions when choosing locations. Extensive modelling was undertaken to assess how proposed farming activity would impact the surrounding environment. Oceanpick says that the clear blue seas off Trincomalee and its tidal currents and flushing rates will ensure a supreme product range.
The venture is set to raise the profile of Sri Lanka’s fishery sector and help the country meet production targets set by Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Dr Rajitha Senaratne. Whilst wild capture production has been on the increase since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war, Oceanpick’s aim is to reach a more sustainable equilibrium between wild capture and farmed output. This is where it sees opportunity for world class farming operations to take the lead role.
The company has already brought in Barramundi fry, also called Asian Sea Bass and locally known as Modha, to its onshore nursery. The first batch spent several weeks there in preparation for its transfer to sea cages. Oceanpick has plans to widen its portfolio to several other species in the near term. The company also says that fish harvest will occur primarily when ready for consumption and peak freshness will be maintained until it reaches the consumer. The first harvest is scheduled to take place at the end of the year.
