Abstract:
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 Status
