Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources: "Sri Lankan fisheries industry which contributes nearly 2.5% to the country's national income and 65% - 70% of the annual protein intake of the population has suffered a severe damage after the tsunami. The industry consists of about 30,000 fishing vessels of which 15,000 are non-mechanized boats. More than 75% of the fishing fleet had been damaged by the Tsunami tidal waves on 26th December 2004. This will reduce the fish production during 2005. Out of nearly 172,000 active fishermen, 80% had been affected and many thousands of their family members are missing or dead. This will make a strong impact on the next generation of fishermen. Other than active fishermen there are about 100,000 persons affected who are employed in the industry. "
