Browsing by Author "Wickramaratne, I.U."
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Item Assessing the Ecological Impact of the Bottom-set Crab Net Fishery for Portunus pelagicus on Non-Target Species at Thuraiyoor, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Subaha, V.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Herath, H.M.T.N.B.The bottom-set crab net Portunus pelagicus fishery has been recently developed and is now one of the top livelihoods of Thuraiyoor fishermen, which is located in Jaffna District inside the Palk Bay. The crab net fishery seems to be ecosystem friendly when compared with trawling. However, a better understanding of the ecological impact is lacking in the Sri Lankan context. This study aimed to quantify the total bycatch, determine the catch composition of non-target species and examine the likely impact of the fishery on nontarget species. Data were collected using a fishery dependent survey. From the total catch observed from the 152 net-sets, 45% of the catch was targeted catch and 55% was bycatch. The resulted proportion of bycatch as valuable bycatch (i.e. retained) and discarded bycatch were 40% and 15% respectively. Based on fishery dependent surveys, a total number of 84 non-target species were observed in the bycatch. The bycatch included 32 species of fish, 23 species of crustaceans, 18 species of mollusks, 9 species of echinoderms and 2 species of cnidaria. Among the total bycatch, spider conch (Lambis lambis) comprised 30% of the total catch by weight and identified as a main species. The remaining 25% included all other non-targeted species and the majority were mollusks and crustaceans. The automated Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) vulnerability score and MSC overall score for spider conch were as 2.35 and 89 respectively, which is equivalent to an Unconditional Pass of the MSC Fishery Standard for Sustainable Fisheries. Consequently, this study at Thuraiyoor supports earlier studies in the Palk Bay, which indicate that the ecological impact on the non-target species by bottom-set crab net P. pelagicus fisheries in the Palk Bay is a low conservation concern at present.Item Comparative Study on Ring Net and Bottom-Set Gillnet Fisheries in Thalaimannar Pier, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Kulas, J.A.J.F.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Sosai, B.M.K.; Gayathry, L.D.Thalaimannar Pier, Sri Lanka was dominant with Ring net (Surukku) and Bottom-set gillnet fisheries. Details with those fisheries were lacking in the literature. A comparative study of both fisheries in Thalaimannar Pier was vital towards sustainable exploitation of fishery resources. The study aims at determining Catch-Per-Unit-Effort (CPUE), catch composition, and supply chain analysis of selected species from two fisheries last October (2019) to early January (2020). Total catch was recorded to the nearest kilogram and effort in-unit kilograms per square meter (kgm-2 ). The total catch of fish species in ring & gill nets was recorded. Results showed ring net catch mainly comprised of finfish (97.8%), crustaceans (1%), mollusk (1%); 1.2% were non-target species. Bottom-set gillnet catch comprises of crustaceans (50%), finfish (25%), mollusk (20%), and echinoderms (1%). Portunus pelagicus was the major target species, nearly 43% of the total catch. Out of the total, 29% of the bottom-set gillnet catch was discarded as nontarget species. Gillnet produced more non-target species. Mean CPUE (kgm-2 ) and standard deviation of ring & gill nets were 0.205 ± 0.062 and 0.0711 kgm-2 ± 0.018 respectively. CPUE for ring net increased from Late-November to Early-January; for gillnet, it decreased from mid November to early January. Sardinella gibbosa showed 71.11% of the price difference from wholesalers to outside retailers and Pampus argenteus (only exportable species) showed 47% of it from fishers to exporters in the supply chain. Ring net was harmful due to comparatively high catch per unit effort which may lead to overexploitation of commercially important fish populations. Gillnet was also harmful due to the high catch of non-target species. The current study provides baseline information that paves the way for sustainable exploitation of the aforementioned fisheries. Keywords: Ring net & Bottom-set gillnet fisheries, Catch per unit effort, By-catchItem 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.Item 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.Item Fisheries Status of Valaichchenai Lagoon, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Naganathan, Z.; Wickramaratne, I.U.Valaichchenai lagoon is one of the major inland fishery sources in the Batticaloa district where productivity has been estimated approximately 3482.21 kg ha-1 yr-1. However, status of fishery information were lacking in literature. Therefore, this study aimed to fulfil this research gap. Piolet survey was conducted, then as primary data, including fishing practices, species, marketing system and supply chain, catch per unit effort, sustainable fishery constraints, and environmental impacts of fishing & related activities were collected using a questionnaire from 242 individuals, group and individual interviews, and direct field observation from January to May 2021. Secondary data were obtained from Fisheries Department of Batticaloa and journal articles. Data were statistically analyzed. SWOT analysis & Fish Bone analysis were also performed. The study revealed that a total of 12 types of fishing gears and the outrigger lagoon canoes (Thoni) were used for fishing. Total number of 38 species were identified during study period. Higher percentage of fishermen sell their harvest to intermediate vendors and a very small percentage, directly sell fish catch to final consumers. Supply chain includes both local and foreign market interventions. Fishermen caught 0.009 to 0.027 kg/net square meter/day, and 0.75 to 3.1 kg/day using a gill net and cast net, respectively, on average. Regulations for mesh sizes and certain unauthorized activities, licensing system, and seabass cage culture for sustainable fisheries have been imposed in Valaichchenai lagoon, but there were no species/size limitations, off-season/time limitations with prevailing irresponsible fishing (IUU), seagrass/benthic environment destruction, shrimp farm effluent discharge, waste disposal from cage cultures, fishing harbor & adjacent boat repairing centers, oil spilling from canoes/boat and, sound pollution issues. It can be suggested that introducing co- management system, implementing voluntary code of conduct, proper rules & regulations, frequent monitoring, conducting awareness and training programmes for Valaichchenai lagoon fishery sustainability. Keywords: Valaichchenai lagoon; Fishery sustainability; Catch per unit effort; Supply chain; Co- management.Item 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.Item An Investigation of the Economic Impact on Fishing Communities in Mannar District Caused by Illegal Fishing by Indian Trawlers in Sri Lankan Waters(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Sosai, B.M.K.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Jayamanne, S.C.Mannar district is located in the Northwestern Sri Lanka (8° 52' 0" N, 80° 4' 0" E). Thalaimannar, Pesalai, Vankalaipaadu, Erukkalampiddy, Pallimunai, Panankaddikoddil, Thalvupadu in Mananr District were selected for the study. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey and direct interviews with fishing community leaders, officials of department of fisheries, fishing agents and traders. Information on fishing season (charts), monthly income, the relative impact of Indian trawlers on village fishing activity, direct and indirect losses to the ancillary service sectors in each village, the quantities of fish and fish species caught by Indian trawlers and the number of Indian trawlers and their annual production were obtained. Secondary data was gathered through research papers, publications and internet. Gathered data were analysed with three approaches i.e. Approach A: Direct losses due to Indian trawlers harvesting Mannar's marine resources, (estimated daily and annual direct losses were Rs.54.4 million and Rs.6955.2 million, respectively) Approach B: Indirect loss due to Mannar fishermen by not being able to harvest Mannar's marine resources (estimated annual indirect losses were Rs.425.63 million), Approach C: Direct losses due to the destruction of fishing gears (Rs. 2, 56, 18,750), Approach D: Direct and indirect losses for ancillary service sector (Rs.24, 59,400 and Rs.24, 59,400 respectively). Data were analyzed using MS Excel 2010. Indian trawlers fish in the northern Palk Bay and south of Gulf of Mannarall year round, while they trawl Pesalai, Vankalaipadu, Erukkalampiddy and Pallimunai in northern coast of Mannar from May to October. Further, Panankaddu koddil and Thalvupadu, located in Southern Mannar were trawled from November to April. Mechanized trawling has been banned by Tamil Nadu State Government for 45 days a year, therefore illegal trawl fishing stops in between March to April (about 45 days). In this study it was found that Thalaimannar (with idela location for fishing), Peasalai and Vankalaipaadu villages were highly affected. Vankaalaipaadu fishery activities mainly depend on gill net. It was found gill net fishing activity was affected by trawler activity. Five other villages faced less loss due to the operation of trawlers, because fishery activities carried out only for six months using variety of fishing gears. Keywords: Mannar district, Indian Trawlers, Coastal fishery, Gill net, Economic Impacts.Item 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.Item Preliminary Study on Fishery of Gurunagar in Jaffna, Sri Lanka Penaeus monodon(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Nishanthi, S.; Wickramaratne, I.U.Gurunagar is one of the major fishing centers and its production rate also high compared with other fishing villages in Jaffna west. Effective sustainable fisheries management measures were not highlighted in Gurunagar fishery previously. This study aimed at collecting information on fishing practices, species composition, fish production, catch per unit effort, supply chain and market structure, and the level of awareness of fisher community as baseline information on fishery sustainability to improve fishery management. This study was carried out from October 2019 to January 2020. Primary data were pre-tested and collected using a questionnaire from 60 individuals, personal interviews, and direct field observation. Secondary data were collected from the Fisheries Department at Jaffna, and journal articles. Data were analysed statistically. The study revealed that a total of 12 types of fishing gears and 5 types of fishing crafts used in Gurunagar fishery. A total number of 53 species, representing 32 families were identified in the Gurunagar fish landing site during the study period. Average fresh fish and dried fish production were found 606 Mt and 56 Mt from October to December, respectively. Fishers caught 8 to 19 kg/100 net square meter-hours, 1 to 2 kg/100 net square meterhours, 1 kg/100 net square meter-hours, and 3 to 4 kg/100 hook-hours using a trawl net, gill net, stake net, and long line on average, respectively. Gurunagar fishery supply chains represented both local and foreign market interventions. Average profit/kg for prawns, seer fish, and needle cuttlefish were 1700, 565, and 425 LKR respectively. Gurunagar fisher community has moderate awareness of the importance of fishery sustainability. Current study findings may pave the way to improve the fishery management system of the Gurunagar area. Keywords: Gurunagar, Supply chain, Fishery sustainability, Catch per unit effort, AwarenessItem Social Relationships of Dried Fish Producers in Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Yuganthan, A.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Koralagama, D.N.; Herath, H.M.T.N.B.Being a traditional source of animal protein in local diet, dried fish accounts for 4% in Sri Lankan average monthly household expenditure. Although, 70% of local dried fish products come from North & East Provinces, a production oriented dried fish studies are lacking. This study aims to investigate producer based intra & inter relationships & social & cultural influences on dried fish production. A mixed method approach was adapted to glean data from Kinniya & Muthur in Trincomalee District in Eastern Sri Lanka. A questionnaire survey (n=60) & in-depth interviews (n=10) were conducted to gather quantitative & qualitative data respectively. The snowball sampling method was employed. Gathered data were analyzed descriptively. Findings unravel multiple intra & inter relationships of dried fish producers particularly on knowledge sharing, fresh fish supply, supporters & buyers. Awareness on dried fish processing descends from parents (53%). Fresh fish sources are; boat owners (35%), fishermen (31%) & fish traders (25%). Intra relationships are prominent among supporters such as family & siblings (44%), friends (21%) & relatives (16%). Almost all producers (100%) sell through wholesaler demonstrating an external relationship with outsiders. Albeit, there are multi-faceted intra & inter relationships, an institutional arrangement is lacking. Muslims culture in both sites allows only men to engage in dried fish processing minimizing women involvement. Social & cultural analysis indicated that intra & inter relationships are converged toward family, siblings & relatives representing inner most tier of the community. Religion & cultural taboos further restrict expansion of the industry. Establishment of dried fish producers, association would be worthwhile by giving equal opportunities for both men & women producers that broaden their social networks & relationships to expand productionItem Socio-economic and Livelihood Related Issues of Cast Net Users in Koggala Lagoon Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Hettiarachchi, H.K.R.; Wickramaratne, I.U.The study was conducted in the Koggala lagoon, Southern province in Sri Lanka to assess the basic socio-economic and livelihood related issues of cast net users. A cast net is one of the traditional, effective, environmentally friendly, fishing gear; the use of traditional fishing practices should be given priority to promoting sustainable fishing, better livelihood & socioeconomic wellbeing of fishers. Hence the current study of existing issues in cast net fishery provides baseline information that raises attention for appropriate management measures. The study has been carried out for four months. Sixtysix cast net fishermen were randomly selected as a sample and pre-tested and interviewed through a questionnaire survey. Variables related to socio-economics of the cast net users were collected and descriptive statistics employed to analyze the situation. Present cast net contributes 40% from total fish catch; 98% of male representation, 77% are old population & 73% have more than 33 years of experience among the laggon fishermen. 80% have only primary education and 82% are doing fishing as the primary income method along with other fishing practices. 45% of fishermen have 4 - 5 family members. To cover monthly expenditure fishermen, take loans from various sources. Their monthly harvest ranged from 0 to 15 kg with an average of 7 kg. Lagoon mouth was a highly productive area for cast netting. Six livelihood issues were identified; crocodile attacks – 27%, low harvest – 20%, illegal fishing activities – 19%, mixing of fuel with water – 15%, net damage by oysters – 13%, chemicals from the factories – 6%. Crocodile attacks, low harvest, illegal fishing activities were the main issues prevailing for fishermen in Koggala lagoon. The current preliminary study upraised the necessity of proper surveillance of cast net fishery in Koggala lagoon in enhancing fisher livelihood and sustainable fishing which aid in proper management; however adequate attention should be paid in future studies in this regard. Keywords: Cast net, Livelihood issues, Lagoon fishermenItem Socio-economic Status of Small Scale Fishery in Koggala Lagoon, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Mayoshi, M.P.A.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Abeyrathne, W.A.S.K.Small scale fisheries in Sri Lanka make an important contribution to the livelihood, protein nutrition, and food supply as a developing country. Koggala lagoon in Southern province of Sri Lanka was selected as a study site due to lack of published research work on this regard. The objectives are studying status related to socio-economics of small scale fishermen, constrains of small scale fishery on the study area and to suggest an optimum management strategy. Fifty fishermen were interviewed using pre-tested structured questionnaire by using convenience sampling method from January to May 2021. The sample size was selected from five areas in order to scatter around the lagoon. Primary data and secondary data were collected from personal interviews and field observations, past research articles respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. According to variables of fishermen information, 100% male fisherman represented in the area. 52% were middle aged fishermen, 36-50 years old. 84% of fishermen were married. 40% fishermen educated up to grade ten. According to job-related variables, 48% fishermen had 16-32 years of fishing experience. 42% fishermen had a monthly income range between LKR 20,001- LKR 30,000. 36% fishermen had hired work as an alternative income source other than lagoon fishery. According to information of family, 45% fishermen had medium size family include 4-5 members. According to the study, constrains that related to livelihood were increasing tourism activities, decrease vegetation coverage area around lagoon, increase illegal fishing activities and increase of crocodile population. Study revealed that most fishermen partially depend on fishing. Results proved fishermen had satisfactory wealth condition according to monthly income even though lagoon condition became poorer. Based on currently studied constraints that related to livelihood, there is an urgent need for conservation of Koggala lagoon sustainably, while enhancing fishermen livelihood. It can be recommended immediate implementation of optimum management strategy addressing aforementioned issues with further research and make aware lagoon associated stakeholders, including government and non- government authorities. Keywords: Small Scale fisherman; Koggla; Coastal Fishery; Socio-Economic StatusItem Study on Illegal Fishing Practices Used for Exploitation of Fishery Resources in the Koggala Lagoon, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Guruge, S.H.; Herath, H.M.T.N.B.; Wickramaratne, I.U.Koggala lagoon is located in Galle district with a significant contribution to the fishery sector of Sri Lanka. The inevitability of illegal fishing practices causing a threat to the commercially important fish populations due to strengthened demand, higher prices, and emerging competition in the market, had also been a serious issue in the fishery of Koggala lagoon. The objectives of the present study were to, identify the illegal fishing methods practiced in the lagoon and quantify the approximate illegal production. A selfadministrated questionnaire survey was designed and pre-tested to collect sociodemographic details of the sixty fishermen and also average production data using illegal fishing gears over three months from October to December 2019. Catch data were collected to calculate the Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) in common fishing gears. The Garret ranking technique was applied to assess the degree of severity of the fishing gears according to the lagoon fishermen’s perception. Results of the questionnaire survey indicated that gillnets (97%) with less than 3 ½” mesh size and monofilament nets (48%) were the most common illegal fishing gears used among the lagoon fishermen. Among the wide range of mesh sizes of the gillnets, 57.15 mm (2 ¼”) size was frequently (23.3%) used for fishing in the lagoon. According to the fishermen’s perception on the weight of the harvest and the size of the juveniles, the fixed purse net was found to be the most detrimental gear used in the lagoon (1.79 kg hour-1 ). However, considering the average catch data, the fixed purse net (7.64 kg) was also the most efficient gear used in the Koggala lagoon. The current study revealed that illegal fishing is very common in the lagoon violating government rules and regulations. Therefore, active legal enforcements and monitoring on illegal fishing practices such as usage of over-small mesh nets and monofilament nets are extremely important in preventing overexploitation of fish populations. Keywords: Koggala lagoon, Illegal fishing, Sustainable utilization, Garret’s ranking technique, Socio-demography