Sri Lanka Launches Nationwide Campaign With 1,000 Anglers to Combat Invasive Fish Species

Sri Lanka has launched a nationwide campaign to combat invasive fish species, particularly the giant snakehead and piranhas, which threaten the country's freshwater ecosystems. The initiative includes a government ban on the import, sale, and transportation of several invasive species, with owners required to register them within three months. A high-profile fishing competition at Deduru Oya reservoir attracted over 1,000 anglers tasked with catching only these invasive predators, although only 22 snakeheads were caught, highlighting the challenge due to their aggressive behavior and sharp teeth. The event winner, N. A. V. Sandaruwan, caught three snakeheads and received a prize, while participants were encouraged to cook the fish despite them not being a common local food. Officials hope the campaign will help control invasive fish populations, raise public awareness, and potentially boost tourism related to environmental conservation. This multi-faceted approach reflects Sri Lanka's commitment to protecting native aquatic species and fragile ecosystems from invasive threats.