Browsing by Author "Dias, P.C.B."

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    Assessment of Suspended Plastic Levels in Surface Water of Southern Coastal Belt in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Athapaththu, A.M.A.I.K.; Athawuda, A.M.G.A.D.; Dias, P.C.B.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.
    Plastic pollution is a growing concern all over the world including Sri Lanka due to serious negative consequences. Thus, current study focused on investigation of occurrence, quantification and spatial distribution of visually observed plastics and microplastics (MPs) in surface coastal water from 12 locations (Hikkaduwa, Gallefort, Dodanduwa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa, Dickwella, Tangalle, Polhena, Rekawa, Godawaya, Hambantota) as covering 3 districts of southern coastal zone in Sri Lanka during July-December 2018. Surface water samples were collected by towing neuston, manta net (380 µm) along surface layer parallel to the shoreline using repeated measures approach. The samples were passed through 4000 µm, 500 µm and 250 µm mesh sieves and residual MPs were subjected to Wet Peroxide Oxidation protocol. Visually observed plastics and recovered MPs were observed through Trinocular Microscope, enumerated for density and confirmed by hot needle test. MPs were further sorted according to the color and shape. As results revealed, all the coastal water in sampling sites were contaminated with plastic accumulation. Overall average density of macroplastics and mesoplastics were recorded as 3.32 and 3.37 items/m³. Sampling location had no significant effect (p>0.05) on total MPs density (average total MPs density: 18.06±11.45 items/m³). Plastic accumulation sources of the affected sites were identified as harbor operational activities, residential actions and recreational events. MP debris with 0.512.00 mm consists of >65% of total number of MPs, whereas maximum size of microscopic plastic in coastal water was 11.04 mm. Fibers were the most common MPs followed by films. Blue colored and Transparent MPs were the majority of plastic items in coastal water due to prevalence of above plastic categories used in the packaging, bottles and fishing gears. In summary, southern coastal water in Sri Lanka is polluted by plastic debris and pollution control programmes are recommended by this study.
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    Identification of Factors affecting to the Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Harvest in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Infaas, A.A.F.S.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Dias, P.C.B.
    The blue swimming crab; Portunus pelagicus is a tropical marine crustacean species, having higher demands in local and global crab market during last few decades. But, there are limited studies on present harvest of blue swimming crab industry in Sri Lanka. Hence this study was conducted to investigate the current status of Blue swimming crab fishery and factors affecting on the daily harvest of Blue swimming crab in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Stratified and Random Sampling techniques were used to select the target and by catch fisheries from Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts. Data associated with harvesting methods and practices of Blue swimming crabs were collected from 372 fishermen and 23 sellers using pre tested structured questionnaire. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Minitab 17 software and MS Excel. Multiple Linear Regression model was fitted to determine the main factors affected on the daily Blue swimming crab harvest. Descriptive statistical analysis suggested that majority of the fishermen in the Eastern Province used Gill net (94.7%), while less percentage of fishermen used Cast net (2.9%) and Trap net (2.4%). It was found that, in average 4.5 kg of daily harvest was obtained and average price of blue Swimming crab was Rs 271.69 per kg. Furthermore, results of Regression analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship in daily Blue swimming crab harvest with mesh size, length of net, depth of net and number of net pieces (p<0.001). Study concluded that improving these factors would increase the Blue swimming crab harvest in. Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and necessary attention needs to be given at policy making in future.
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    Illustration of Key Morphological Characteristics of Highly Demanded, Export Restricted and Export Prohibited Marine Ornamental Fish Species in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dhananjaya, B.G.N.; Dias, P.C.B.; Herath, H.M.T.N.B.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
    The marine ornamental fish export industry becomes a valuable foreign income generator over the past few years. However, illegal exporting of marine ornamental fishes has threatened the most marine species. Illegal exports continue, despite the available sufficient regulations including Fauna and Flora Protection Act No 49 of 1993 and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 02 of 1996 of Sri Lanka. Illegal exporting of marine ornamental fishes also attributed to the misidentification of the marine species. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a user-friendly marine ornamental fish identification guide based on a dichotomous key which aids to minimize the misidentification issues. Ten highly demanded marine ornamental species were selected from the Sri Lanka Customs database. In addition to that, 14 export restricted marine ornamental species and 17 export-prohibited species were chosen for preparation of the guide based on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 02 of 1996. Secondary data were utilized to identify the morphometric and meristic characters that discriminate against the fish families. Morphological characters used to identify the species are included; body colour, body patterns, pectoral fin length, presence of stripes, number and position of the photophores, and head length. Fish species that live in the same area at the adult growth stage was used for collecting morphological characteristics among individuals of the same species. Forty-one species under the 16 families were included in the dichotomous key to find out from the study that Family Chaetodontidae has the highest number of restricted species (n=12). Under the prohibited species, family Haemulidae bears the highest number of species (n=4). The developed guide is important for fish divers, collectors, exporters as well as customs officers to identify the restricted and prohibited species. The dichotomous key developed in the present study will be utilized for the development of marine ornamental fish identification mobile application. Keywords: Dichotomous key, Marine ornamental fish, Sri Lanka, Mobile application
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    Investigation of Disease Incidence and Management Practices to Build a Database to Fill the Knowledge Gap of Ornamental Fish Farmers in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Dinushika, M.P.G.; Dias, P.C.B.; Sampath, J.K.H.; De Silva, D.P.N.
    The freshwater ornamental fish industry is one of the economically important, home entertainment industry in the world. During the last few decades, the ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka has become one of the highest potential exporters in the global market. However, fish diseases are one of the major constraints to the failure of the ornamental industry. To avoid economic losses and to prevent disease outbreaks proper identification and diagnosis of fish diseases are crucial. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the present status of farmer’s knowledge of fish disease; management measures to avoid disease outbreaks and prevalence of fish diseases with seasonal and regional variation in the freshwater ornamental fish industry. Sixty farmers cultivating various ornamental fish were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques from the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) website. Data were collected using a telephone-interviewed method through a pretested questionnaire survey. Collected data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical methods in SPSS. . Major disease incidence caused by parasites (33.57%), followed by bacterial (23.57%), fungal (16.43%), viral (5%), and non- infectious diseases (21.43%). The most frequently observed disease was white spot disease (11.4%), followed by Columnaris (10.8%), Dactylogyrus sp. (9.5%), and fin rot (8.9%). The prevalence of fish diseases varied with season. The average prevalence of fish diseases was highest in the southwest monsoon period (49%). Common treatment methods that farmers used to treat the diseases were isolation (20.9%), water exchange (19.9%), adding salt (15.7%), methylene blue (13.6%), copper sulphate (11.5%), and antibiotics (7.1%). However, most of the farmers were able to identify diseases by using behavioral changes (40.5%) and symptoms (37.3%) although they were incapable of recognizing the disease-causing agents. Preventive and prophylactic measures were practiced by 91% of the farmers, the majority of them tend to find solutions through online sources, and some of them get advice from either colleagues or veterinarians. Furthermore, insufficient materials or lacks of awareness regarding fish diseases prevent farmers from gaining new reference knowledge. Thus, the results obtained from this study can be used to fill the knowledge gap by developing an awareness tool that enhances their knowledge on fish health management. Keywords: Ornamental fish; Fish Disease; Seasonal variation; Awareness tool
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    An Overview on Behaviors of Fishing, Fish Consumption and Preservation Techniques of Indigenous Community in Sri Lanka. With Special Reference to ‘Dambana’ Indigenous Community
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Wijerathne, L.H.P.S.; Dias, P.C.B.; Thilakarathne, E.P.D.N.; Dias, P.G.I.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.
    Indigenous communities can be identified as culturally distinct ethnic groups who are native to a particular place. The Veddas, the indigenous community of Sri Lanka are numerically small people verging on extinction (0.20%). Dambana, the most renowned original settlement of the Veddas in Sri Lanka has been arguably considered as the hub of Veddas over the past half a century. Food consumption patterns of the Veddas had been greatly altered during the recent past with the dynamic process of modernization and also with changing nature of lifestyle. An adequate and updated attention has not been paid by the existing literature on the consumption of fish along with the processing techniques of the indigenous community of Sri Lanka. Hence, this study examines the level of fish consumption and preservation methods practiced by the indigenous community in Dambana region in Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire based interviews with the indigenous people were conducted along with Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and a desk review to collect the required data while a descriptive analysis employed to accomplish the objectives of the study. The study observed that a higher preference on fishing (85%) compared to hunting. Previously, the indigenous community used the pots made by crushing the wild herbs, spikes made of iron and wood for fishing. Currently, several fishing gears (net gear and spears) are being adopted to increase the quantity of catching which is required for their growing consumption. Moreover, the results indicate that their fish consumption has increased approximately by 95%. Furthermore 65% of them consume fish mostly at once/twice a week. Moreover, the study examined that traditional techniques used for cooking, processing and preservation of fish (specific woods such as Cassia fistula and Manilkara hexamer) have been gradually altered and being used modern technology such as refrigerators. Additionally, preference on different fish species in the market has been enhanced (20%). Under this scenario, the study emphasizes the need of protecting traditional fishing and preservation method while facilitating in order to increase the level of fish consumption of the indigenous community through appropriate strategies. Keywords: Fishing; Fish Consumption; Indigenous community; Preservation Methods; Veddas
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    Present Status of Export Trade of Endemic and Indigenous Freshwater Ornamental Fish Species in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Dias, P.C.B.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Senevirathne, J.D.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
    Sri Lankan ornamental fish export industry has developed rapidly during last decade due to high demand. Recent surveys have indicated that wild collection of endemic and indigenous freshwater ornamental fish species has caused serious conservational issues. This study aims to evaluate the present status of export trade of endemic and indigenous fish species in Sri Lanka during 2016-2017. Secondary information on type of freshwater fish species which were exported as ornamental fishes and their levels of exporting were collected from Sri Lanka Customs. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 15 ornamental fish exporters, including the details of restricted and prohibited species and current status of the export industry. Results of the study indicated that the exportation of endemic species and indigenous species have been reduced by 43.7% and 9.4% respectively in 2017 when compared to 2016. Highest export trend were recorded on Garra ceylonensis: endemic fish species (48.7%) and Monodactylus argenteus: indigenous species (69.6%). Only 20 species of restricted freshwater fish have exported in 2016 and not reported at 2017. The major export destinations of Sri Lankan endemic and indigenous fish was USA (22%) followed by Netherlands (18%) and Australia (10%). The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that a limited number of exporters (40%) tend to export endemic fish species due to legal barriers. Further, captive breeding of Sri Lankan endemic fish varieties (Puntius titteya) outside the island may threat to the ornamental fish trade of Sri Lanka. A high proportion of exporters (80%) are over depended on the wild collection which leads to overexploitation of demanded species. Further, natural habitats of the wild population are negatively affected by deforestation and environmental pollution. Therefore, improving the captive breeding for wild catch species is important to ensure the sustainability of ornamental fish trade.
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    Present Status of the Marine Aquarium Fishery in the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dhanasundara, I.P.T.P.; Thilakarathne, E.P.D.N.; Dias, P.C.B.; Egodauyana, K.P.U. T.; Malshani, P.K.T.
    Marine aquarium industry is a popular multimillionaire industry in the world and a considerable amount of global market is fulfilled by exporting from Sri Lanka since its beginning. Almost all marine ornamental species of Sri Lanka are collected from wild habitats which cause serious stock degradation of endemic and other marine species. The collection of marine ornaments has been establishing as a community-based industry on the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka due to high resource availability and accessibility compared to other regions; however, it is poorly documented. Therefore, a survey was designed to study the situation, threats, and issues of the industry on the East coast by using a questionnaire-based survey combined with field observations. Information was gathered from the collectors, suppliers, buyers, fisheries officers, and other relevant stakeholders. Almost 190 fish collectors and 15 suppliers are currently occupying during the southwestern monsoon period roughly from May to October in the Eastern coast. About 250 marine fish species (mainly butterflyfish, angelfish, damselfish, gobies, wrasses, surgeonfish, groupers, blennies & lionfish) and 50 marine invertebrate species (shrimps, Anemones, Sea Slugs & Sea lilies) are being collected mainly from Ottamavadi, Pasikudah, Kalkudah, Paul point, Adukkuparu, and Nilaweli reefs and rocky habitats. However, 01 - 05% of fish are discarding due to catching issues and 05 - 10% of caught fish are discarding due to improper handling, holding, and packing methods before reaching to local exporters. Dynamite fishing, overexploitation, fluctuations of price levels, mishandling of caught live forms, degradation of reef habitats due to natural and anthropogenic factors are the main identified threats so that the industry in the Eastern coast is certainly unsustainable. Therefore, it is highly recommended that a powerful management system should be rapidly established for the benefit of valuable marine ecosystems and the industry. Keywords: Marine ornamental fish, Reef fish, Color fish, Trincomalee, Batticaloa
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    A Review on Export Trade of Freshwater Ornamental Fish Species in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Rathnamurthi, T.D.N.K.S.; Dias, P.C.B.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Senevirathne, J.D.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
    Freshwater Ornamental Fish industry of Sri Lanka has developed rapidly during the last few decades due to high export demand. Industry sustains with culture of exotic species rather than a wild collection of ornamental fish including endemics. Hence, a review on the present status of the export industry of Freshwater Ornamental Fish and identification of the existing gaps are important for further development in the industry. Secondary information on exporting levels, species and countries were collected from Sri Lanka Customs. Further, 32 registered exporters were identified using NAQDA registry and pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge of exporters, productivity and export details. Results revealed that majority of export fish varieties were Guppy (87%) followed by Platy (3.3%), Molly (2.2%), Tetra (2%), Zebrafish (1.7%) and Barb (0.9%). According to the results, demand for the exporting fish is changed with the quarters of the year and majority of the species (Guppy, Platy, Molly, Tetra) have high demand in 1st quarter. Demand for Zebra fish and Barb fish has high demand in 4th and 2nd quarter of the year respectively. Results of the survey indicated that 80% of companies target only the export market rather than local trade. Majority (55%) of the exporters depended on local farmers to fulfill their requirement of export market. This vast export demand still cannot be achieved due to the communication barriers (67%) among farmers and exporters. The major constrains were identified as difficulties of recognise the actual market demand (87%), lack of adequate knowledge and technical approach regarding disease control (73%) and water quality management (87%). “Ceylon Fish Guide” a userfriendly android tool was developed to enhance the knowledge and communication of farmers and exporters. Therefore, improving the ornamental fish industry with novel technologies is important to compete with global market.
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    A Review on Ornamental Shrimp Industry in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Mudalipitiya, M.P.S.H.D.; Dias, P.C.B.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
    Ornamental shrimp industry in Sri Lanka is developing rapidly within last few years. However, Sri Lanka is still in a developing stage of ornamental shrimp industry and needs to fulfil some gaps in the sector. Species identification is one of the major challenges in exportation as well as conservation viewpoint to reduce the biopiracy. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify the status of ornamental shrimp export industry, develop a user-friendly identification guide for exporting and protected shrimp species, and develop a database on ornamental shrimp industry. Available digitized export data were obtained from Sri Lankan customs and, reliable secondary data such as legal framework, morphological features, taxonomic levels, water quality requirements, lifespan, disease were collected. However, only 2017 and 2018 export details were available in digital format. Published research articles and taxonomic identification guides were studied and body type, body color, color of the maxillipeds, telson, chelae, abdomen, carapace, nature of the pleopods, significant body color spots and strips were identified as key characteristics and easy identification guide was developed using these morphological features. Percentage of export quantities were calculated using export data for each species and family. Nineteen species belong to eight families were identified as commonly exporting species. Family Hippolytidae had the highest export demand. 88.05% and 89.50% were represented by this family in total export quantities in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Hymenoceridae had the lowest demand of 0.01% in 2017 and no export in 2018. Percentage of Lysmata amboinensis is 66.83% in 2017 and 57.88% in 2018 and Lysmata debilius 22.11% in 2017 and is 29.14% in 2018. These species were the two major exported shrimp species out of all 19 species of family Hippolytidae. Bright colors and tank cleaning ability are major reasons for this high demand. Moreover, selected secondary data and results obtained were compiled into a database in MS Excel format and willing to be published as online database including identification guide, to improve the awareness of the common public in Sri Lanka. Further, easy identification guide will make identification of prohibited shrimps easy, and it will support to reduce biopiracy. Keywords: Shrimp Export; Dichotomous key; Protected shrimp species; Hippolytidae
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    Some Aspects of the Population Characteristics of Selected Marine Fish Species (Ambligaster sirm, Hyporhamphus dussumieri, Decapterus russelli and Atule mate) in Trincomalee District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Anushika, P.; Herath, H. M.T.N.B.; Dias, P.C.B.; Gayathry, L. D.
    Coastal fisheries of the eastern coast considerably contribute to the total marine fish production of Sri Lanka. Beach seining and gillnet fishing are renowned fishing practices in Trincomalee district and its catch mainly consisted of Ambligaster sirm, Hyporhamphus dussumieri, Decapterus russelli, and Atule mate. Fish population studies can determine the need for management measures to manage overexploiting fish stocks. However, detailed population studies on the above species are lacking. Therefore, the present study aimed at determining particular population parameters of selected fish species for evaluation of stock status. In total, 1187 individuals belong to four species were collected from four landing sites in Trincomalee district from October 2019 to January 2020. Samples were collected from gillnet catches. Total length and total body weight were measured to the nearest millimeter and nearest gram respectively. Total length ranges from 115 to 210 mm for A. sirm, 110 to 225 mm for D. russelli and 93 to 220 mm, and 200 to 274 mm for A. mate and H. dussumieri respectively. Results showed negative allometric growth (b<3) for A. sirm and D. russelli species. This concludes A. sirm and D. russelli in the study area can grow faster in length than in weight whereas positive allometric growth was recorded for A. mate and H. dussumieri (b>3). Stock status was determined using the Length Based Spawning Potential Ratio model. Result showed, Spawning Potential Ratio as 29% for D. russelli which signs status of the stock is above a limit reference point, stock status of H. dussumieri was determined as sustainably exploited with Spawning potential ratio of 33%. A. sirm and A. mate were determined as below limited reference point with spawning potential ratio of 12%. Accordingly, A. sirm and A. mate population in the study area is overexploited. In conclusion, A. sirm and A. mate population in Trincomalee district needs to be managed for a sustainable fishery. Keywords: Length-weight relationship, Barefoot ecologist toolbox, Condition factor, Spawning Potential Ratio
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    Status of Knowledge on Mangrove in Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Analysis on Twitter™ Social Media Platform and Scopus® Database
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Piyatissa, I.A.D.U.; Dias, P.C.B.; Bandara, T.; Mohotti, C.M.
    Mangroves are one of the important ecosystems found in many tropical and subtropical areas. The importance of mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka has highlighted in numerous scientific studies and the findings of these studies are disseminated through various publications indexed in popular scholar databases. Moreover, with the advancement of new technologies, knowledge of mangrove is also disseminated on popular social media platforms. Quantification of this information is important in determining the status of knowledge on mangrove and related science communication. In this backdrop, the present study focused on determining the status of knowledge on mangroves using the popular social media platform; Twitter™ and scholarly database; SCOPUS®. In social media analysis, 475 twitter messages/tweets related to the keyword „Mangrove‟ was extracted from the Twitter™ database. R programing language and various other packages (TwitteR, tm, word cloud etc.) were used in analyzing the textual data. Topic modelling was employed to identify the latent topics in mangrove related tweets. Scientometric analysis of mangrove related studies in Sri Lanka was carried out using the Scopus® database. Results of the Twitter™ analysis showed the existence of various subthemes in mangrove research (e.g. conservation and mangrove rehabilitation etc). Word cloud analysis has indicated that forests, restoration, blue carbon, coastal and communities were dominant keywords. Results of the scientometric analyses of Sri Lankan mangrove studies indicated an increment in mangrove related publications (p = 0.001, R2= 0.85). The relationship between annual Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and the number of publications was positive (p = 0.001, R2 = 0.83). In contrast to that, a few Sri Lankan authors and institutes/universities dominated in mangrove related publications (n=105). Keyword analysis of mangrove related publications indicated that studies on family Rhizophoraceae (n=38) were prevalent in the scientific literature. Findings of the present study indicated that expanding the mangrove related research to other institutions and facilitating research infrastructure is essential. Furthermore, scientific dissemination of these research findings in social media platforms is highly encouraged. Keywords: Twitter™; Scopus®; Mangroves; Data mining; Topic modelling; R Programming
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    Status of the Marine Ornaments Export Industry in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dhanasundara, I.P.T.P.; Thilakarathne, E.P.D.N.; Dias, P.C.B.; Egodauyana, K.P.U. T.; Malshani, P. K. T.
    The marine aquarium industry in Sri Lanka has become a popular industry during the past few years. Exporters have shown an increasing trend for marine ornamental species exporting due to globally increased demand. Therefore, a study was designed to assess the present situation of the marine ornamental industry in Sri Lanka. Pretested questionnairebased survey with visual observations of the exporting process was conducted by selecting 30 leading marine ornaments exporting companies to assess the situation of the industry. Export data that were gathered from Sri Lanka Customs were analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. The analysis figured that approximately 611,310 marine fish individuals in 2017 and 459,425 individuals in 2018 have been exported from Sri Lanka. Thus, 151,885 individuals of prominent decrease have been observed in exporting marine ornamental fish due to the reduction of fish catch from the wild. However, a prominent growth (49,468) has been observed in exporting marine invertebrates as 105,750 individuals in 2017 and 155,218 individuals in 2018. These ornamentals have the highest demand in the USA (336,452) followed by Japan (143,497) and UK (25,386). As per the regions, the North American region had the highest demand for marine fish approximately 406,470 individuals totally in both years and followed by the North Asian region by exporting 290,916 individuals. Family Gobidae (21.6%) was the most demanded fish family in the export market followed by family Serranidae (11.7%) Acanthuridae (10.7%), and Labridae (7.7%). Most demanded invertebrate family was Hippolitidae (83.9%) followed by family Rhynchocinedae (9.0%). However, these targeting particular species in wild capture fishery may highly affect to collapse the balance of Sri Lankan reef ecosystems. Therefore, suitable strategies should be immediately implemented to fulfill the huge demand in the exporting market while sustainably utilizing natural resources. Keywords: Marine aquarium fishery, Wild catch, Reef fish