Challenges and Community Efforts in Sustainable Trawl Fishing Operations in Negombo, Sri Lanka

-

 Aruna Sampath M 


Introduction Negombo, a coastal city in Sri Lanka, has a rich history of trawl fishing that primarily targets shrimp. Traditional sailboats have operated in this region for over a century, with two primary locations Porathota and Negombo City (back side of the Court) serving as the main operational hubs for these vessels. This article focuses on Porathota, where local fishers have formed the "Al Aksha Fishers Society" to support and advocate for the fishing community's needs.

A Legacy of Sailboats in Trawl Fishing In Porathota, sailboats have been central to trawl fishing for generations. Initially, these boats were made of wood, but modern demands and material availability have led fishers to switch to fiberglass boats, which offer enhanced durability and resilience in challenging sea conditions. Currently, 26 sailboats operate in Porathota, each crewed by approximately four fishers. These vessels undertake trawl fishing expeditions lasting between 3 to 7 hours, depending largely on wind patterns.

Each fishing trip involves several hauls typically 3 to 4 per trip based on wind and sea conditions. The fishing is conducted year-round, with shrimp being the primary target species. However, fishers are increasingly facing operational challenges, particularly related to environmental pollution, which threatens both their productivity and the sustainability of their fishing grounds.

Environmental Challenges and Their Impact on Trawl Fishing A significant concern for the Porathota fishers is the increasing accumulation of garbage on the seabed, which impacts both the efficiency and quality of their fishing operations. Fishers report that, on average, each trawl net hauls in approximately 2 to 5 kilograms of waste alongside their intended catch. This waste includes a variety of materials such as plastic shopping bags, yogurt cups, and even wooden debris, which hampers the quality of the shrimp and damages the fishing nets.

The presence of this waste extends fishing times due to the additional labor (Time)  required to clean the catch, decreases the quality of harvested shrimp, and contributes to the degradation of the fishing bed, affecting the ecosystem. Fishers believe that the government’s response to these issues has been insufficient, with little support provided to address seabed and coastal waste management. This pollution not only reduces fishing efficiency but also poses safety risks and threatens the sustainability of marine life in the area.

The Role of Al Aksha Fishers Society and Community Initiatives To counter these challenges, the Porathota fishers established the Al Aksha Fishers Society, which seeks to support the fishers and advocate for better conditions. The society emphasizes the need for government intervention in managing waste collection both at sea and along the coast. Additionally, fishers have expressed a need for safety equipment, such as life jackets, which are essential for their protection from the unpredictable sea.

In a proactive step towards environmental stewardship, the fishers of Porathota have committed to collecting the waste that accumulates in their nets and bringing it to the landing sites for proper disposal. However, they stress that this effort requires formal support and a structured waste management system from the government to ensure effective disposal and recycling, thus minimizing environmental impact.

Conclusion and Recommendations The traditional trawl fishing community of Negombo, particularly those using sailboats in Porathota, faces mounting challenges due to pollution, limited safety equipment, and insufficient government support. These issues highlight the urgent need for collaboration between the fishers and government agencies and other stockholders to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and the livelihoods dependent on them.

Several recommendations emerge from this analysis:

  1. Enhanced Waste Management: The government could implement a waste collection and disposal program for coastal and seabed garbage, which would benefit both the ecosystem and the fishing community.
  2. Provision of Safety Equipment: Safety gear, including life jackets and emergency kits, should be provided to fishers to promote safer working conditions.
  3. Collaborative Clean-Up Efforts: By establishing formal support for community led garbage collection initiatives, the government can empower fishers to take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of their fishing grounds.

Through a combination of government support, community initiatives, and sustainable practices, the traditional trawl fishing operations in Negombo can continue to thrive, preserving both marine life and the economic well-being of the fishers.

Photos . Porathota lading site. Negombo














Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dead turtles washed ashore in Sri Lankan beaches

-
Image
  By A. Sampath M :   20 th June 2021 Sea turtles have been around for millions of years . Declines in sea turtle populations are a major concern and today all sea turtle species are globally protected [1] . Under the schedule ii (section 30) of fauna and flora protection (amendment) act, no. 22 of 2009 Mammals and Reptiles that are Strictly Protected [2] . The sea turtles species have been included to in this scheduled.     There are   seven living sea turtle species recorded in the world [3] , five species were reported in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka coming for nesting: Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas),Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) [4] Turtles' nesting beaches of Sri Lanka  Sea turtles suffer from poaching and over-exploitation as a result of slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells. In addition to that habitat destruction, bycatc...
Read more

Fisheries Regulations relating to small meshed nets operation in Lagoons of Sri Lanka

-
Image
  The Fishing Operations Regulations of 1996 [1]   explain the fishing activities that can operate in the country.   Section three (3) of the regulation stated that        “No person shall engage in, or cause any other person to engage in, any fishing operation specified in Part I of the Schedule 'here to, in the sea, estuaries or coastal lagoons of Sri Lanka except under the authority of a license issued under these regulations and otherwise than in accordance with the terms and conditions attached to such license”.   Section     10 of the part 1 (SHEDULE) of the regulation shows that the “operations carried out by Stake Net (Kattu Del)   ("Stake Net" (Kattu Del) means a net consisting of a conical or cylindrical trap with or without a frame and with a device which draws the fish into the net) can be operated with the license given by department of fisheries.   Therefore it is clear that the Stake net is legally accept...
Read more

"Enhancing Coastal Fishing Operations for the Well-being of Small-Scale Fishers: Infrastructure and Safety Initiatives in Sri Lanka"

-
Image
Aruna Sampath M. - 16:09:2023 Fishing is a hard occupation. Fishers face numerous challenges in their daily fishing operations. In light of the characteristics of fishing operations, the International Labour Organization (ILO) [i] and FAO [ii] have also introduced guidelines aimed at standardizing and enhancing safety in fisheries worldwide. Coastal fishing operations play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's fisheries industry, not only contributing significantly to production but also generating a substantial number of both direct and indirect employment opportunities. The development of proper infrastructure facilities for coastal fishing operations is crucial for the well-being of small-scale fishers [iii] and the sustainability of their livelihoods. This includes the establishment of efficient landing sites, designated areas for net mending, ensuring safe and accessible pathways to these sites, and providing ample space for docking boats. These essential facilities are instrume...
Read more