Browsing by Author "Dharmakeerthi, T.N."

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    Preliminary Study of the Elasmobranch Fishery in Valaichchenai, Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Dharmakeerthi, T.N.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Fernando, D.; Tanna, A.V.; Bown, R.M.K.
    Sharks and rays are included within the sub class Elasmobranchii. Indiscriminate fishing techniques have resulted in the progressive depletion of their populations globally. In Sri Lanka, these fisheries are driven by demand for shark fins, mobulid gill plates, their fresh meat and dried fish. This study collected information on shark and ray landings to provide information for sustainable management practices. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 140 fishers and biological parameters (length, weight and maturity data) were collected from 123 shark specimens and 129 ray specimens in Valaichchenai (7°55.58', 81 ° 31.80'), in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Results showed a female biased sex ratio for sharks. 11.76% of them were observed to be pregnant. From the male sharks, 16% were immature. For the rays, 40% were immature, comprising of 67% of females of which 3.44% were pregnant. The most abundant species with growth coefficients and condition factors were Carcharhinus brevipinna (1.25, 1.09), Carcharhinus limbatus (2.80, 0.83), Carcharhinus anzboinensis (2.36, 1.17), Mobula japonica (1.62, 1.47) and Neotrygon kuhlii (1.86, 1.98) respectively. All species showed a negative allometric growth, except Carcharhinus litnbatus and most of the species have shown condition factor greater than one. The questionnaire revealed that fishers were aged between 18 to 68 years (mean=37.55±11.23) and 64% of fishers stated that their fishing area is as far North as Jaffna, with offshore ranging from 10-700 km. There was no significant difference between attitudes on the awareness of rules and regulations with fishers of varying age groups, but propensity of crossing boundaries showed a significant difference (p<0.05) with age group. The results showed that some endangered species such as Sphyrna lewini and also vulnerable species such as, Mobula tarapacana were being caught and immature males & pregnant females were landed. These results indicate the need of proper implementation of management plans for sustainable utilization of these resources. Thus, conducting awareness programs, declaring restricted areas (nursery grounds) and optimum length at first capture are important for sustainable utilization of fishery resources.
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    A Preliminary Study on Potentials of Seaweed Culture as an Alternative Livelihood for Small Scale Fishing Community in Southern Coast of Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Gayathry, L.D.; Silva, A.P.R.; Shanuke, D.S.; Wijethunge, H.N.S.; Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Dharmakeerthi, T.N.; Jayarathna, W.N.D.S.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.
    Large scale seaweed mariculture is widespread in many Asian countries for decades. But Sri Lanka is still in its infancy. Therefore, promoting seaweed mariculture as a commercialscale industry is an urged necessity. Seaweeds grow abundantly along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the study attempted to assess the socio-economic status of small-scale fishermen, the potentiality of using seaweed culture as an alternative livelihood, and awareness of fishermen regarding seaweed culture on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Data were collected by key-informant interviews and questionnaire surveys from November 2019 to February 2020. Cluster sampling was used to draw a sample of 160 fishermen from 8 major landing sites. Results of the socio-economic analysis showed that 72% of fishermen were between the age group of 35 - 55 years. Due to the seasonality of fishing, 65% of fishermen are having below-average monthly income (LKR 12,000 - 15,000). In three landing sites, 25% of fishermen are seasonal fishers. But almost all fishers are active in other landing sites. In total, 90% of fishermen are interested in seaweed farming. Identified reasons for their interest in seaweed culture were, additional income (85%), manageable with fishing (65%), and women empowerment (58%). Results relevant to awareness on seaweed farming among fishermen 80 - 90% in four landing sites, 60 - 65% in two landing sites, and below 30% in the other two landing sites. Favorable environmental conditions, adequate workforce, and willingness to initiate seaweed culture were identified as potentials. Absence of proper mechanism to disseminate knowledge, financial support, and lack of knowledge on marketing were identified as constraints for the initiation of seaweed farming. Accordingly, knowledge regarding seaweed farming should be disseminated and effectively transferred. The overall results indicate greater potential to initiate seaweed mariculture as an alternative livelihood for small scale fishing communities in southern Sri Lanka. Keywords: Seaweed, Mariculture, Fishing community, Alternative livelihood, Southern coast