Food loss and waste (FLW) are significant issues in Sri Lanka’s fishing industry. A significant portion of the fish caught is not of the best quality due to various factors such as poor handling and storage practices, lack of processing and preservation technology, and inadequate infrastructure. These losses occur at various stages of the value chain, starting from the time of harvesting and continuing through subsequent stages such as processing, transportation, distribution, storage, marketing, until consumption. The losses in fishery not only reduce overall yield but also negatively impact food security and the livelihoods of fishing communities, as FLW in aquatic food value chains have negative economic consequences and contribute to food and nutrition insecurity.

In Sri Lanka, the lack of data on fish losses makes it difficult to develop effective fisheries management policies and solutions. Many studies have not been systematic in measuring losses at all stages of the value chain, hindering efforts to identify potential areas for intervention. However, such assessments are costly and time-consuming, which has limited the number of full-chain assessments conducted thus far. To bridge this knowledge gap, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive FLW assessment at the stage in the aquatic food value chain where the most significant loss in fish quality occurs. Understanding the extent of FLW in Sri Lanka’s fishing industry and implementing interventions to reduce it are crucial steps towards improving the industry’s sustainability. This can benefit both the industry and the country’s overall economic and social development. In this context, the NORAD-funded FAO project on responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources for sustainable development has been implemented to tackle these challenges by conducting a comprehensive FLW assessment. This project is a critical milestone in identifying effective interventions to reduce losses and waste in multiday fisheries, thereby promoting more sustainable and efficient use of the resource.