Abstract:
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
