Abstract:
The fisheries in seasonal lakes in Batticaloa district (N=225) provide low cost fish protein, income and employment to those who are living surrounding the lakes. However, optimum utilization of the income has not been achieved due to lack of awareness of technology and management.
The study was carried out to identify the present status of the fishing community engaged in fishing, in the selected fresh water seasonal lakes and the introduction of pond culture in these lakes in order to utilize the resources in sustainable manner. To develop pond culture fishery for the community, 50 members from Thanthamalai, 25 members from Addachakalu and 65 members from Kaddukaimunai fishing communities were interviewed and also delivered training in respect of development of pond culture and its management. This study also reviewed the implementation of pond culture and its management in fresh water areas.
Results indicated that significant number of fisher community ( 30 to 45 0/0) in this sector showed the interest of developing pond culture with the support given by the Eastern Provincial Fisheries Ministry, Tilapia niloticus (Nile Tilapia) was used as the most suitable species to culture in ponds by the community since the marketable size of Nile tilapia could be harvested in 4 to 5 months period. This gives supplementary income for fisher community. Nearly 35 % of fisher community understood well the management of available water resources for fishery in seasonal fresh water sectors. The co-management is in practice in culture based fishery in the eastern region and the Eastern Provincial Fishery plays a major role in developing culture based fishery.
