Problems facing the deep-sea fishing industry in Sri Lanka

Fishing in Sri Lanka has been carried on largely with the use of traditional methods and in recent years there has been a marked increase in the use of mechanized craft for fishing. Although some effort has been made in the sphere of deep-sea fishing both by trawlers and long line tuna boats, such efforts have not made a significant contribution towards improving the industry. The progress of deep-sea fishing in Sri Lanka has been hindered due to a number of reasons described by the author.

Fishing gear and methods for off-shore fishing in Sri Lanka

The author describes the commercial viable off-shore fishing methods for catching known commercial resources available around Sri Lanka. He also describes the in-shore fishing methods such as bait fishery which are related and of prime importance for carrying out certain off-shore methods. The paper is intended as a background for the description of fishing methods. The methods discussed are: (1) Longlining for large pelagic species such as large tuna (yellow fin, big eye), shark, spearfish and others; (2) Drift-netting for small and large tuna species (skipjack, yellow fin and others), shark, spearfish, etc.; (3) Pole and line for all deep-sea pelagic species such as skipjack, yellow fin, frigate mackerel, etc.; and (4) Purse seining (small scale) for small pelagic species suitable as bait fish for pole and line and longline fisheries.

Comparative efficiencies of mechanized fishing crafts introduced in India

India started mechanization of fishing craft in early 1950. The traditional craft was subjected to technical scrutiny and some of them mechanized with good results. However, due to limitations inherent in the traditional craft, it was found necessary to develop new series of crafts suitable for the operation of modern fishing gears in areas hitherto unexplored. The impetus given to the development of infrastructure like freezing, canning and ice plants, and quickly expanding export market, increased the demand for marine products, hence craft for immediate, as well as long-term needs had to be introduced. In this article the author discusses design of fishing vessels, information from experience used in development of vessels, designs of distant water vessels, productivity studies, income and expenditure, economic values, production cost, and productivity.

Operatives for off-shore and deep-sea fishing vessels

The need for operatives for the offshore and deep-sea fishing vessels is currently very great, and the importance of fisheries training has long been recognized by the Department of Fisheries. In 1974 the Sri Lanka Fisheries Training Institute was established with Japanese aid. The author discusses the purpose and functions of the institute, the first batch of trainees from which finished their training in June 1977. Annexes describe the courses offered, diplomas and certificates, admission requirements, and the conditions required for candidates sitting second-hand fishing vessel examination of the Mercantile Marine Department, Bombay District.

Infrastructure facilities for deep-sea and off-shore fishing

The author presents a brief account of the infrastructure facilities required for the fishing industry. He describes those facilities presently available in Sri Lanka, and those that are under construction, and gives a few suggestions indicating the nature of infrastructure facilities that are vital to the local situation at its present stage of development. The principal facilities discussed are (1) fish landing places; (2) unloading handling facilities; (3) vessel servicing facilities; and (4) navigation aids.

Economics of operation of 38' G.R.P. fishing vessels issued by the A.D.B. Fisheries Project: a case study

The author gives a financial and economic valuation of the operation of vessels in the 38 foot GRP class. He discusses particularly the materials and methods of fishing they use, species composition of their catches, their rate of return, break-even analysis, financial and social analysis.

Role of the state and financial institutions in financing the fishing industry

The experience of the Government in the recovery of loans for 28 foot mechanized vessels has been unsatisfactory. The author examines the various aspects which have contributed to this situation, and considers arrangements for financing purchase of such vessels. The risks associated with the investment in 38 foot vessels are high, and it seems that the reluctance of private investors to make the required contribution from personal funds is a result of fear of the unknown. Current incentives provided by the Government to the private sector for the purchase of 38 foot vessels are considered to be adequate.

Financial assistance for purchase of large fishing vessels

The Government of Sri Lanka is improving off-shore and deep-shore fishing by introducing more sophisticated and larger vessels into the Sri Lanka waters, together with the offer of subsidies, tax holidays and other concessions to those who seek to operate such fishing vessels. As a first step, some thirty 38 foot class fishing vessels are to be introduced. The requisite variety and quantity of fishing gear is supplied together with the vessels, and operators will be given further assistance to either export or market their catches locally by provision of insulated fish transport vans, jeeps with trailers, crushed ice plants, fish storage cabinets and adequate spares for at least the next few years. A description is given of the credit terms offered for the purchase of such vessels, pre-shipment finance, and loans and hire purchase facilities.

Private sector to invest in off-shore fishing and to encourage the financial incentives to be introduced for deep-sea fishing in Sri Lanka

The author discusses the financial aspects of private sector investment in off-shore fishing, with particular attention to tax incentives, such as those offered to tourist hotels, which are considered applicable to the current case of fishing vessel purchase, and the operation of the vessels themselves, hiring, publicity and profitability. Tax incentives which were introduced to encourage investment in the tourist industry should be introduced to encourage investment in the fishing industry on the lines presented. It is essential that wide publicity be given for the incentives introduced so as to achieve the desired results.

An analysis of the experimental pole and line fishery conducted around Sri Lanka by Nichiro Fishing Company of Japan

Under a joint agreement the Government of Sri Lanka and the Nichiro Fishing Company of Japan have undertaken an experimental pole and line fishery around Sri Lanka with a view to determining the feasibility of establishing a joint commercial venture. 3 Japanese vessels conducted trials during the period March 1973-October 1974. Details of the vessels and cruises are given. A variety of fish were tried as bait, and the selection of appropriate bait is discussed. Catches and catch and effort statistics are presented, with tables showing distribution of the tuna. The results of the trials were below expectations, and are in part attributed to bait availability, and unfavorable weather conditions. Seasonal variation of the type of fishery is suggested in order to take account of this, and it is concluded that a fishery based on 45/50 ft combined pole and line and drift net fishing vessels might prove feasible.

Challenges to effective fishing and preferred fishing gear in a hydrodynamic freshwater system

Challenges to fishing and preferred gear of multiple used Lake, whose water depth is controlled by opening of its dam gate were investigated. Geographic survey, interview and focused group discussion of fishermen were used to assess factors influencing effectiveness of fishing and the preferred gear of Asejire Lake. Water usage (s) such as frequency of Complete and Partial Opening of Dams Gate (CODG and PODG) were investigated as indices for hydrodynamic condition. Response during focused group discussion with about 33% of fishermen of the Lake were obtained on sources of disturbance to effective fishing (SDEF), most effective gear (MEG)- least environmentally perturbed gear, comparability of catch structure of preferred gear to conventional gear and sustainability of superiority of preferred gears in situations outside hydrodynamic condition (SSPPG). The PODG occurred 1-7times/Month-dry season, 15-18times/Month-wet season; CODG occurred 1-2times/Month in both season; Interval of CODG was 3-17 and 5-12days (dry and wet season). It affected set-net and catch. The SDEF were gear availability, weather condition, dam’s gate opening, religion activities and Health of fisher-folks. 50% respondents accepted opening of dams gate as most important disturbance while religion was least (5% respondents accepted). 60% respondents accepted traps as MEG being the least affected while 75% respondents accepted Gura cage trap as the MEG among traps.90% respondents accepted that among traps, its catch structure was closest (comparable) to conventional gear. However, 75% respondents rejected SSPPG. Opening of dams’ gate creates hydrodynamic condition and it affects fishing. Gura trap was preferred for fishing hydrodynamic condition.

Illegal fishing of inland water bodies of Nigeria: Kainji experience

It is a common knowledge that illegal fishing which includes use of wrong gears, explosives, excessive exploitation of choice stocks, enhancement and stocking of water body and pollution has devastating effects on the critical biomass of fish biodiversity and livelihood activities associated with fishing. Efforts worldwide to arrest these menace are significant because it has been found that illegal fishing has made fishing non sustainable, resulted in poor fishermen catches, and exacerbated the use of illegal gears in an effort to a must catch. Conflict between fisher folk and policies has continued to generate different strategies in the control of illegal fishing. Some of these strategies at regional and National levels include creation and implementation of fisheries laws, fishing edicts, code of conduct for responsible fisheries, policing of inland water bodies, capacity building and capability through training of fishermen, creating necessary awareness, arrest and punishment of offenders. There are also other initiative on conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems which have interrelation with illegal fishing. This paper examines efforts in promoting and boosting the fisheries of Lake Kainji, through creating necessary awareness, campaign visits, radio programmes, gear control, reward systems, integration and diversification of livelihood activities, community based management and policing. It further analyses what is working, problems, and prospect of fisheries laws, the need to integrate factors of political policies, other global initiative on water management for people and nature. Recommendations on strategies including protection of fishing grounds, establishment of catch data base, integration of other intervention as alternative source of income to enhance livelihood, reduce fishing pressure, and capacity building of fisher folks, development of rules and regulations that is community based are highlighted.

Monsoon trawl ban and its effects on the livelihood of trawl labourers: the case with Versova fishing village in Maharashtra

Indian fisheries sector in view of its potential contribution to national income, nutritional security, employment opportunities, social objectives and export earnings, plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the country. Fisheries sector contributes 4.3% to the agricultural GDP and export earnings are presently valued at over INR 68 billion from a volume of 460,000 tons. In addition, it provides direct and indirect employment and dependency for over seven million people in the country. With an estimated production potential of 8.4 million tons, the present level of production in the country is 5.9 million tons with almost equal contribution from both marine and inland sectors. The estimated fisheries potential from the Indian exclusive economic zone was found to be 3.9 million tons. But in spite of the increased efforts in fish production, the catch stagnates around 2.9 million tons. The stagnation in catches, mainly due to the over exploitation of dwindling marine resources, forced the government to impart some management measures to regulate the fishery and for the sustenance of the marine resources. The monsoon trawl ban in fisheries was one of the major reforms, which had created a substantial increase in fish production in the past few years. The ban on trawling during monsoon season was introduced in Maharashtra, after a series of studies, from 1992 for a period of 65 days from 10 June to 15 August or Naralipoornima, whichever is earlier. A notable increase in production from the marine sector of the country occurred in the post-ban period. Nevertheless, it had created problems in employment, poverty and income distribution of fishermen during the ban period and was always a matter of unrest between mechanized and traditional sectors of fishing. The aim of this study was to understand the impact of the ban on monsoon trawling in employment pattern, poverty and income distribution of fishermen along the coast of Maharashtra. The study was conducted at the Versova fishing village, Mumbai, and provides reflections on the possible impact of monsoon ban in the livelihood and standard of living of the fishermen in the state.

Evolution of suitable trawl nets for medium size trawlers - 1: Comparative fishing efficiency between 32 m bulged belly, long wing and four panel trawls

Comparative studies of the efficiency of 32 m bulged belly, long wing and four panel trawls have shown that the bulged belly trawl to be superior to the other nets in catching bottom fishes and column fishes. 40% of the bottom fishes and 48% of the column fishes were caught by the bulged belly trawl. However, for prawn catch, the long wing trawl appears to be better as it landed 52% of the total prawn catch of the three nets. Bulged belly trawl was found to be next only to long wing trawl in this respect.

Impact of small indigenous species of fish (SIS) on livelihood of local fishing community in two upazilas of Mymensingh

The fisher folk used to catch small indigenous species of fish (SIS) from rivers, canals, wetlands and floodplains at little or no cost for their livelihood. Surplus fish was sold at the local market to generate some little capital for the households. The livelihood and consumption of SIS in fishing community of two upazilas viz. Trisal and Ishwarganj under Mymensingh district were studied for 3 months in 2004. Most of the fisher folk of the study areas belong to resource-poor section of the society living below the poverty level. Majority of them had no cultivable land. As professional fishers they face many problems during lean fishing period from January to April due to little or non-availability of fish. Majority of the fisher households consumed SIS three to four days a week. The fisher households of Trisal upazila consumed more small fish than those of Ishwargonj upazila. More than 50% respondents consumed <20 g SIS/day and 20% consumed >40 g SIS/day in Trisal upazila. On the other hand, in Ishwargonj upzila, most of the fisher households (66%) were found to consume <20 g SIS/day. SIS was mostly available from July-December in rivers, wetlands (beels), and canals, and income from fishing was reported to be good. The dominant SIS was Puntius spp., Mystus spp., Anabas testudineus, catfishes, mola, and small prawns. Non-indigenous species like tilapia was also dominant in Trisal upzila where aquaculture practices were well established.