The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) is the apex national institute vested with the responsibility of carrying out and coordinating research, development and management activities on the subject of aquatic resources in Sri Lanka. The NARA is a statutory body duly established by NARA Act of No. 54 of 1981, during the past 40 years NARA conducted numerous scientific studies in the field of fisheries and aquatic resources. NARA also provides services for development and sustainable utilization of living and non-living aquatic resources.