The current status of the fisheries sector in Ampara district

Abstract

The fishery sector of Ampara district is called Kalmunai fishery district because most of the fishing activities are concentrated in Kalmunai. All categories of fishing such as offshore fishing, coastal fishing and lagoon fishing are mostly practicing in this district. The fisher population of this district is 825,120 person in Marine sector and 198660 person in Inland sector (NAQD- 2014). Fishing activities in this area have been affected by ethnic conflict and the tsunami. Due to these reasons changes are clearly reflected in fish production, fishing fleet, active fishermen and catch composition, which reduced after 1981, were severely changed in 2005. However, after 2006, fisheries sector shows positive signs and increasing trend in fish production. Annual marine fish production in Ampara shows a positive trend and the latest records show a production of fishing is 535,050 metric tons (NAQD- 2015). The study shows that the Ampara District has a big potential for development of fisheries sector as resources are readily available. The level of satisfaction in fishermen in the Ampara District is higher than 50% on their crafts and gear availability as most of the fishermen now have crafts of their own. However, the gears are not available in satisfactory level. In overall, the impacts of ethnic conflict and the tsunami on livelihood of fishermen had come to an end. The fishermen have adequate amount of craft and gear when compared to the situation prior to tsunami and conflicts. Support from the government to improve the infrastructure facilities of fishery sector and introduction of modern technology will bring benefits to the fishing community who live in Kalmunai fishery district.