The first phase of the National Fishing Vessel Census – 2025 will commence on August 4th across all fishing harbors along the national coastline. All your OFRP and MTRB vessels must be presented for this census.

Although fiberglass boats are essential for Sri Lanka’s fisheries and maritime industries, disposed fibberglass boats from use have become a significant environmental, social, and economic issue. Due to the lack of proper disposal methods, these vessels degrade into microplastics, harming marine ecosystems. Toxic chemicals from them leach into water and soil. Additionally, they become breeding grounds for disease-carrying organisms and diminish the beauty of the coastline.

Fiberglass recycling is a complex and costly process. As a result, many of these boats end up abandoned or burned, further contributing to environmental harm. In this context, the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, together with the Ministry of Fisheries, plans to launch a national census of all fiberglass boats from  4th onward.

Through this initiative, “Clean Sri Lanka” aims to identify and remove derelict boats and introduce sustainable recycling methods. This step will help clean the coastal environment, minimize microplastic pollution, control the spread of diseases, and free up vital space for the fisheries industry.