Browsing by Author "Jayarathna, W.N.D.S."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Current Status of Coastal Debris Accumulation along Beach Ecosystems in Southern Province of Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Athapaththu, A.M.A.I.K.; Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Jayarathna, W.N.D.S.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Thushari, G.G.N.
    Coastal debris accumulation in coastal and marine ecosystems is considered one of the serious, the emerging environmental problem in several countries including Sri Lanka. This study aims to identify the current status of debris accumulation in the coastal zone of Southern province in Sri Lanka. The 180 stakeholders were interviewed to collect data using a pre-tested questionnaire survey through 15 open-ended and rank order closedended questions (maximum 1-10 of scale) as a convenience sampling method. Based on the estimated median rank data, the majority of waste types were plastic (991.5), followed by glass (819.5) and papers (768.5) in the Southern coastal zone. Soft drink/water bottles (1264) were recorded as the major disposal items followed by food wrappings (1225) and Styrofoam food containers (1146) considering rank scores. Burning or collecting wastes (32.09%), handing over the garbage to the municipal council (25.5%), usage of public garbage bins (25.11%) are common waste disposal methods along the southern coast. The highest percentage of waste separation practices were recorded from Hikkaduwa (81.81%), Galle fort (60%), and Polhena (61.11%) regions. Hambantota and Tangalle beaches have regular waste collection services (100%) to a satisfactory level. Rekawa and Godawaya regional coasts had not recorded any frequent waste collection mechanism. Tourism and recreational activities (86.36-52.94%) and fisheries and harbor operations (93.33-60%) are major waste accumulation sources in study sites. Coastal debris is also accumulated by residential and household activities and unsustainable constructions to a lesser extent. Thus, unsustainable anthropogenic activities are major sources of coastal debris accumulation. The majority of fishermen and coastal residents did not adequately aware of the ecological and commercial impacts of coastal debris. This study suggests implementing integrated coastal management programs focusing on plastic debris accumulating sources. In conclusion, this study provides a basic platform on the issue of coastal debris deposition on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Keywords: Plastic pollution, Coastal debris accumulation, Coastal environment, Pollution sources, Anthropogenic activities
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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