Illegal fishing activities and its negative impacts: a study based on Point Pedro West fisheries inspector divisions in Jaffna Peninsula

Abstract

In modern world fishing industry has a unique benchmark in the economic structure. It is a main industry in the primary economic structure and also it is a traditional industry over generation. It is one of the incomes generating industry. Even though fishing is an eco-friendly industry in the early stage nowadays it is against it. As a result, fisheries face several challenges and problems globally. As Sri Lanka is an island with two monsoonal rains, it is a great opportunity for fishing for the whole year. Here most of the income is generated through coastal and deep-sea fishing. So, fishing contributes towards the mayor part of Northern Province economic Structure. The purpose of the research is to analyses the negative impacts of illegal fishing activities: A based on Point Pedro west fisheries inspector division in Jaffna peninsula. For this research we used interview and field research as primary source and Jaffna statistical report and fisheries inspector report as secondary source. Through the descriptive analysis of the collected data it is clear that the fishermen use illegal methods. Such as Roller boats, dynamite and banned nets for fishing to fulfill their livelihood. As a result, marine resources are affected and disturbs the environmental equilibrium. This also affects small scale fisherman’s economic and socially. If such activities continue marine resources for future generations will be scarce. Therefore, it is imperative to establish sustainable marine reserves in the future and adopt environmentally friendly fishing practices, besides prohibited fishing practices to ensure sustainable and efficient sustainability of the socio- economic and fisheries community