Browsing by Author "Gunawardane, N.D.P."

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    A comparative study on the effectiveness of gillnet and longline fishing methods used by multi-day fishermen in Matara fisheries district
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Jathunga, M.I.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Gunawardane, N.D.P.
    The fisheries sector of Sri Lanka is a primary source of animal protein production. According to the high rate of population growth in Sri Lanka, fish food demand is increasing. To fulfill this increasing demand, there should be an effective fishing method for high rate of exploitation and exploited resources should be high quality and high value for the better utilization. In the late 1980s, Sri Lankan state introduced multiday offshore fishing vessels for the development of Sri Lankan offshore fisheries (Kariyawasam, 2010). The gillnet fishery and the longline fishery is the common fishing methods used in the deep sea fishing in Sri Lanka. According to the DFAR statistics in 2013, Matara fisheries district is one of the districts which provide high fish production to the nation. The gillnet fishery is most commonly used fishing method in multiday boats fishermen in Matara fisheries district and they do not engage in longline fishery very much. The identification of the suitable fishing methods is important to increase production level, quality of the production and income of the multiday fishermen. Therefore the present study is focused on comparison of the effectiveness of gillnet fishing and longline fishing methods as a deep sea fishing method used by multiday fishermen in Matara district. Materials and Methodology The data were collected from multiday fishing boats in “Dondra” fisheries harbor from 1 of May to 14 of June 2014. The sample size was determined by “Moving average method” and the total landings and fishing methods of 66 multiday boats were collected accordingly. Catch and effort data, income of the fishermen and quality of the landing were collected using prepared data sheets. The catch and effort data collection sheet was consisted of data regarding the duration of the fishing, the fishing techniques (gear) used in the trip, total catch per day, the species composition of the catch in number and/ or weight, gear information (length of net, mesh size, number of hooks per long line, soaking time,) vessel information (storage facilities, hauling technique, length of boats). The income data collection sheet was consisted of species composition, total weight of each fish species and price of the fish in particular day. Organoleptic survey has been done in order to determine the quality of the fish yield of each boat. According to the organoleptic evaluation, nature of the fish skin, nature of the gill, eye appearance and consistency of flesh were evaluated. The quality of the fish has been evaluated by scoring them according to the level of quality. Then mean of the score of the quality parameter was calculated to determine quality of the harvest in each multi-day boat. The collected data have been analyzed by using “Microsoft excel-2010” and compared with “One-way ANOVA table” by using “Minitab 16” software. Results and Discussion According to the study, there were 3 types of main fishing methods which were used by multi-day fishermen in Matara fisheries district. They are, gillnet, longline and combination of gillnet and longline fishing methods. There were 39.4% multiday fishing boats which used only gill net, 22.7% multiday fishing boats which used only long line and 37.8% fishing boats which used a combination of gillnet and long line. Mainly tuna and tuna like species were targeted in the study. The total catches of the different fishing gears were taken as weight of harvest per boat day. According to the results, the mean catch per boat day of the gill net, long line and combination of the longline and gill net were 133.7 kg, 94.2 kg, and 165.1 kg respectively. Therefore the multiday boats which used combination of gillnet and longline fishing method gained significantly higher yield than that of gillnet and longline fishing methods. The lower mean catch per boat day was gained by the longline fishing method. When considering main fish species which were caught by each fishing gear, the mean catches per boat day of Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) were 62.11 kg, and 64.76 kg respectively for gill net, and combination of the gill net and longline. In Matara fisheries district there were no multiday fishermen who used longline fishing method to catch skipjack tuna. The mean catches per boat day for yellow fin tuna (Thunnus albacares) were 7.05 kg, 79.39 kg and 70.56 kg respectively for gillnet, longline and combination of gillnet and long line. Similarly the mean catches per boat day of frigate tuna (Auxis thazard) were 12.29 kg, and 70.56 kg in gillnet, and combination of gillnet and longline respectively. There was no frigate tuna catch in long line fishery. According to this result, mainly long line fishing gear was used to harvest yellow fin tuna. The skipjack tuna and frigate tuna were harvested by using gillnet fishing method. When considering income of the multiday fishermen, the mean of the total income of multi-day fishermen who harvested fish using gill net, longline and combination of gillnet and longline is Rs 300,577.00, Rs 1,251,567.00 and Rs 1,068,474.00, respectively. The highest income was gained by the multi-day fishermen who used longline fishing method and the lowest income was gained by fishermen who used gillnet fishing method, among the three fishing methods. According to the organoleptic survey data, the quality of the fish in gill net, long line and combination of gill net and long line fishing methods were 1.99  0.41,2.32  0.31 and 2.04  0.39,respectively. The quality of the fish was high in fish which were harvested by longline and quality was low in fish which were harvested by gillnet. In the ANOVA test, there was not significant different between gear categories and the total catch per boat day (P>0.05). But, there was a significant different between gear categories and catch per boat day of tuna and tuna like species (P<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences between gear categories and income of the fishermen and also gear categories and quality of fish (P<0.05). According to these result, it shows gear categories are not significantly affect on the total catches per boat day but it significantly affect for the catches of tuna and tuna like species, income of the fishermen and quality of fish. According to the above results, the gillnet fishing method has recorded, high catch, low income and low quality fish and long line fishing method has recorded low catch, high income and high quality fish while combination of gillnet and long line fishing method has recorded high catch, medium income and medium quality fish. But the ANOVA result showed total catch per boat day was not significantly affected by fishing gear categories. Therefore, though they have similar amount of fish harvest, multi-day boat fishermen who used longline fishing method has had high income and high quality fish than other two types of fishing methods. The analysis of catch composition of tuna and tuna like species showed that long line fishing method is much more species selective fishing gear than other two types of fishing methods. It is used to catch only target fish species which having high commercial value. And also, the amount of fish discarded by the longline is less than that of gillnet due to harvest of high quality fish in longline fishing method. The reason is that the fish remain alive for much longer period when hooked than when gilled (Santoset al., 2002). Because of that reason, the quality of the fish that harvested by longline is higher than gillnet fishing method. Because of their high quality, the value of the fish increases and fishermen obtained higher income with the longline fishing method.
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    Evaluation of Post-Harvest Quality Losses of Tuna Catch of Multiday Boats in Beruwala- Kalutara
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Amrin, A.H.M.; Wickramarathne, I.U.; Gunawardane, N.D.P.
    Fishery industry provides an important source of protein, livelihood for people and foreign earnings. Fish is a highly perishable food, requiring proper handling, processing and distribution, to be utilized in a cost effective and efficient manner. Physical losses, Biochemical losses and Economical losses are three major types of fish post-harvest quality losses that cause food insecurity, low income to fishers, processors and traders. So it is necessary to develop systematic, practical tools for assessing post-harvest losses. The study was focused on Tuna catch of Multiday (IMUL) fishing vessels at Beruwala fishery harbour in Kalutara district. Fishermen who operated multiday fishing vessels were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire to obtain the attitudes and opinion of fishermen regarding the quality control aspects of fishery activities in study area within the period of 8 weeks during 5.30 am to 8.30 am. The minimum sample size among these IMUL vessels was selected using “Likert scale (1932)” and “Moving Average” method, where the minimum sample size determined as the sample size achieved the stable mean in Likert scale. Organoleptic surveys were used to identify level of post-harvest losses. The post-harvest economic loss of the tuna fish was determined according to the market value. The weights of undamaged and damaged fish which are used to produce dry fish when landing were measured using the electronic platform balance. The weight of the salted harvest of tuna and tuna like fish species were, 54 kg of Thunnus albacares, 12,244 kg of Katsuwonus pelamis, and 69 kg of Auxis thazard. When consider the fish harvest: weight of the harvest per boat for yellow fin tuna is 199.65 kg, skipjack tuna 1515.19 kg, big eye tuna 0.01 kg, frigate tuna 6.10 kg and salted weights of the harvest per boat are 1.05 kg, 240.07 kg, and 1.35 kg and post harvest loss percentages are 0.53%, 15.84%, and 22.15% respectively for each fish species. When consider fish harvest for gear category, long line (LL), gill net (GN) , LL+GN and Others (other gears): total weight of harvest 3116 kg, 60000 kg, 23819 kg and 4443.5 kg per each gear category respectively. Total salted weight of harvest is 43 kg, 8882 kg, 3210 kg and 232 kg while estimated total income is Rs. 1,638,080/=: 15,226,325/=: 7,241,100/= and 1,068,530/= per each gear category respectively. Income loss percentage is recorded as 0.34%, 5.23%, 6.58% and 1.43% for each gear category respectively. The effect of above gear categories on total harvest, the total weight of trashed or damaged fish (used for salted) and the total actual revenue for the fish harvest of IMUL vessels sample was analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA), (p < 0.05).It revealed, the gear categories significantly effect on total harvest, the total weight of trashed or damaged fish (used for salted) and the total actual revenue for the fish harvest of IMUL vessels. The level of fish post-harvest in Beruwala fishery harbor was determined by using sensory characteristics available in quality control division of DFAR. quality based on quality level. ANOVA analysis and results confirmed that the gear categories significantly contribute to the post-harvest economic loss by reducing the post-harvest quality of the tuna fish in Beruwala fishery harbour. Results of the study confirmed that there is no any quantitative loss in fish post-harvest.
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    Evaluation of the attitude and awareness of the international resolution on responsible fishing: a case study on the multiday fishermen of Matara
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Dilini, K.L.N.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Gunawardane, N.D.P.
    E longitudes. This island has approximately 1700 km long coastline and sovereign power for the 21,500 km territorial sea and an Exclusive Economic zone (EEZ) of 517,000 km (MFAR, 2013). Therefore fisheries industry significantly contributes to the food security and the foreign exchange earnings of Sri Lanka. This IUU fishing is a serious threat to the sustainability of fisheries in both national jurisdictions and high seas. Therefore regional resolutions are implemented by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) to reduce these IUU fishing activities. Although there are laws and regulations, many problems in the fisheries sector are caused due to lack of awareness of fishermen regarding these implemented national and international laws. Therefore identification of awareness of fishermen on these laws and regulations are very important before the implementation of awareness programs. This study was done with the objectives of investigating international resolutions which highly impact to Sri Lankan fisheries sector, investigate responses of fishermen on international resolutions, identify and suggest procedures which can improve the awareness and behaviors of fishermen on international resolutions. Keywords: Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), International Resolutions Methodology Matara fisheries district was selected as the research area. The sample for the case study was selected from multiday boat owners, crew members, skippers and other service providers of Matara fisheries district through the Stratified random sampling. The sample size was determined using “Moving average method”. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected from selected sample, through the questionnaire and interviews. The questionnaire was prepared using international resolutions which developed by the IOTC. Both open ended questions and closed ended questions were included in the questionnaire. Secondary data was collected from sources of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and IOTC web site. Collected data was analyzed using “Likert method” (Likert, 1932) and one way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) at 95% significant interval. “Minitab 16” software was used for analyzing all the collected data. Results and Discussion The sample size was selected as 105. According to the finalized results of the study, total mean of awareness and attitude regarding these international resolutions is 3.38 ± 1.58. It means that the level of awareness and attitude of fishermen of Matara fisheries district on these international resolutions are medium. The statements used for the questionnaire have derived from the IOTC resolutions (IOTC, 2013). The current awareness of stakeholders on these international resolutions is helped to keep the Sri Lankan fishermen under the international resolutions. It helps to enhance the acceptance for Sri Lankan fish and fish products in the international market. Not only that but also the awareness on some resolutions are directly influenced on the management of fishery resources. The community has a high level of knowledge (3.67 ≤ Mean Likert scale ≥ 5.00) on the statements of importance of registration of fishing vessel, importance of having a flag in the fishing vessel, importance to mark vessels according to the regulations (Resolution 01/02 relating to control of fishing activities), importance of establishing a vessel monitoring program (Resolution 06/03), idea about prohibition of bottom trawling and crossing sea boundaries without proper permission, requirement of permission from the department for landing harvest at another country or for exchanging harvest with the foreign vessels at sea (Resolution 12/05 on establishing a program for transshipment by large scale fishing vessels), prohibition of catching endangered shark species and sea turtles (Resolution 12/09 on the conservation of Thresher sharks and Resolution 12/04 on the conservation of marine turtles) and preference of carrying equipment in the vessel which was used for catching sea birds and sea turtles. The registration of fishing vessel and vessel marking according to the regulations are already in place in the national regulations (1980). Therefore all of them have to comply with the registration of fishing vessel and marking them according to the regulations for having other subsidies and insurance. The awareness was medium (2.34 ≤ Mean Likert scale ≥ 3.66) on the statements of importance of maintaining a log book on board (Resolution 01/02), the requirement of providing information about harvest to the Department of Fisheries, willingness to support the government officers, agree to carry a department officer as an observer when they request, importance to inform navigation path for the department or harbor (Resolution 05/03 and Resolution 10/11). According to the attitude of some stakeholders, it is difficult to carry a department officer as an observer due to the limitation of space in the vessel and several other difficulties. The idea of some skippers was important to maintain a log book to have an idea in future regarding places and time of high densities of fish. It was considered as an additional trouble for their hard occupation by others. According to the responses of stakeholders, there are some people who unable to keep records on this log book due to inability of writing. The overall awareness was very low (1.00 ≤ Mean Likert scale ≥ 2.33) on the statements of international trade barriers which are occurred to Sri Lankan fisheries sector due to the ignorance of international resolutions, prohibition of large scale driftnets on the high seas in the IOTC area (Resolution 12/12), closed area (Resolution 12/13). With the high sea fishing operation license, printed material including the statements regarding the Resolution 12/12 has received by the boat owners. Therefore regarding the prohibition of large scale driftnets on the high seas, there was awareness among some people specially with the boat owners and skippers. But even the response of these people was not agreed with the idea. According to them, 2.5 km length gill nets are not enough to recover their fuel cost. The awareness of fishermen was very low regarding the closed area (Co- North, 40 - 60 East in the Indian Ocean during February month) for fishing (Resolution 12/13 for the conservation and management of Tropical Tunas stocks in the IOTC area of competence). Therefore the overall response for a closed area was seriously disagreed. But some of the stakeholders believe it is necessary to have a closed area for the sustainability of fishery resources.
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    Evaluation of the Response to the International Resolution on Responsible Fishing: A Case Study on the Fishermen of Beruwala- Kalutara on Evidence of IUU Fishing
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Madhushani, H. A.; Wickramarathne, I.U.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Gunawardane, N.D.P.
    Increasing international demand for fish and fishery product has resulted more fisheries activity in many parts of the world in recent years and IUU fishing methods are also used for fishing. So long term sustainability and responsibility of fish stocks are affected and responsible fishing as well. This has been internationally agreed and countries should make sure to avoid IUU fishing in their respecting fishing zones. Regional resolutions related to IUU fishing is developed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) an organization who is responsible for the international tuna fisheries activities in the Indian Ocean region. It is functioned for conserving, managing tuna fishery resources and reducing illegal, unregulated, unreported tuna fishing. Though these resolutions it is targeted to take the regional fishery industry to unique control level. Sri Lanka has to comply these resolutions as a member country of the IOTC. Fisheries sector is one of the most significant industries in Sri Lanka which contribute about 2.5% to the GDP. Fisheries production is significantly increased over the years and total export earnings for year 2012 are about 22 Billion Rupees. However, when consider Sri Lanka fishery sector several difficulties occurred regarding IUU fishing activities over the years. When considering the hierarchy of fishery community, fishermen especially the Multiday Fishermen who are operating in international waters have the ultimate responsibility to comply these resolutions. Therefore, awareness of fishermen on the international resolutions is important. In 2010, the compliance rate of IOTC resolutions in Sri Lanka was 18% and it was increased up to 47% in 2013. Most of the fisheries administrative and management measures were extreme lined in order to achieve that. However, it is learnt that evaluating attitude and awareness level of the fishermen on these resolutions is essential for the further improving of this level. Methodology Beruwala Fishery Harbor which is one of the main harbor of Sri Lankan multiday boat operations situated in the Kalutara District was selected for the study sienc the harbor facilitates number of fishery activities and most of the fishery stakeholders are benefited from the services. Sample was selected from multiday boat owners, skippers, crew members and other related fisheries service providers in the multiday fishing sector by the stratified random sampling technique. Minimum sample size was determined by “moving average method”. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through the interviews and questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Data were analyzed by “Likert method” to identify the level of agreement of the fishermen on several statements related to the responsible fishing and one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) on 95% confidence interval was used to compare the results within strata.
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    An Investigation on Total Catch, Catch Composition, Catch Quality Variation Based on Different Effort Levels in Multiday Boats in Kalutara District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Fernando, A.W.K.; Gunawardane, N.D.P.; Wickramarathna, I.U.; Jayamanne, S.C.
    Deep sea fisheries commenced in late 1980s and introduction of Multiday boats with modern technologies (GPS, SSB radio, Freezer unit, Fish detecting sonar) and synthetic nets increased the pelagic fish production. The multi-day boats in operation today are of several types, varying according to their length and the degree of sophistication. Those vessels use several types of fishing gears based on their preference and also fishing duration also differ with those boats. Fishermen have their own selections on those variables according to their knowledge, experience to maximize their catch with good quality by applying minimum effort.This study was carried out to identify the deep sea fishery trends and optimum efficiency levels in Kalutara fishery district using landing statistics (Catch) and fishing inputs (effort) and to give recommendation on management of Kalutara fishing fleet. In this study, total catch per fishing trip and species wise catches taken as output data and gear type, fishing trip duration, boat length, facility level, no. of crew and boat capacity are taken as input data. Parallel organoleptic survey of fish catch was conducted to measure the quality level of fish. The study found that only the gear type is significantly affecting total catch per trip and other five factors (Boat length, Boat capacity, No. of crew, Trip duration, and Facility level) do not affect the total catch per trip. Three types of fishing gear including longline, gillnet and ring net and combination of gears was used basically and the catch composition of the single species catch is not significantly affected by gear type. Longline, gillnet and ring net when taken individually, significantly affects the species catch variation. The fish quality is significantly affected by total catch, trip duration, and boat capacity while not significantly affected by gear type and facility level. So according to the study it can be recommend that gear combination (better to use Longline cum Gill net) is the most suitable fishing method as it gives high fish catch (2427 236) with medium quality (1.8571 0.1650) fish and more emphasis should be given on fish quality improvement in Beruwala fishery harbor. Keywords: Deep sea fishery, Multiday fishing vessels, Catch, Fishing effort, Fish quality, Fisheries management