Abstract: The contribution of small-scale fisheries to national GDP is modest but they are very important for food, employment, livelihoods income of more people. Problems and challenges in fisheries have been addressed by scholars from the different point of views. Lack of systematic data collection and integrated information as to small-scale fisheries has only been addressed to the certain extent. However, challenges in the management of small-scale fisheries are not studied well. Researches in small-scale fisheries pay limited attention to socio-economic issues rather focusing biological-ecological aspects. The reliability of collection of catch data has been questioned when multispecies fisheries are in place. Management tools commonly used in the small-scale fisheries are size limit, gear restriction, closed season, closed area, and fishing permits. The legal framework has been introduced in Sri Lanka to regulate fisheries. However, unsuccessful management of small-scale fisheries could lead to the weak institution, unclear management instrument, and limited involvement of fishers in the management process. Hence, this paper presents challenges in the management of small-scale fisheries in “Salli” GN Division. This research was based on primary and secondary data. Informants selected through snowball sampling methods. Collected data were qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. Characteristics of small-scale fisheries in “Salli” GN Division includes multi-gear and multispecies, low capital and labour intensive, remote landing sites, weak market and bargaining power among fishers. Management of Small-scale fisheries in “Salli” GN Division faces resource overexploitation, complex fleet interactions, competition and conflicts between fleets (small-scale, industrial and recreational), and post-harvest problems, such as lack of infrastructure.
Keywords: Fisheries management, co-management, community-based management, small-scale fisheries.
Title: Challenges in the management of small-scale fisheries in “Salli” GN division, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Author: Pathmanandakumar, V.
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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