Abstract:
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 fishermen
