Fisheries enhancements in inland waters in Sri Lanka with special reference to culture based fisheries: current status and impacts

Abstract

Sri Lanka is endowed with more than 12,000 reservoirs. Depending on their hydrological regimes, they are broadly categorized into perennial and seasonal reservoirs and are secondarily used for the development of inland fisheries. This paper discusses the importance and status of culture-based fisheries (CBF) in reservoirs of Sri Lanka and assess the impacts of introduction of CBF. The CBF in seasonal reservoirs was initiated in the 1980s and it is well documented. There are around 200,000 ha of perennial reservoirs in Sri Lanka and CBF in perennial reservoirs is a recent development. Introduction of CBF into perennial reservoirs has resulted in significant increases in fish production, increased availability of fresh fish to rural communities, enhanced livelihood opportunities and income for fishers and strengthening the rural economy. Progress achieved so far in respect of seasonal reservoirs has not reached the envisaged levels. Nile tilapia, catla, rohu and mrigal are the main contributory species for fish production through CBF in perennial reservoirs. Although the contribution to fish catches is low, stocking of freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is financially feasible. Adequate stocking with suitable species, the existence of active Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and their involvement in planning and implementation of CBF, and the existence of a legal framework which facilitate implementation of activities pertaining to CBF are the key factors for successful implementation and sustainability of CBF in perennial reservoirs.

Appraisal of culture‐based fisheries of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii, De Man, 1879) in reservoirs of Sri Lanka

“…The study was unable to quantify the carrying capacity of GFWP in major and medium reservoirs, as most of the reservoirs were understocked and underutilized, which is clearly revealed by Figures 2 and 7. Though similar PRDs and RCEs for major and medium reservoirs were reported by Amarasinghe and Wijenayake (2015) and Chandrasoma and Pushpalatha (2018) at lower SDs than those applied in the current analysis, more comprehensive research is warranted before robust conclusions can be made. CBF practices of GFWP have been reported in Kerala, India (Nair et al., 2007) and Pak Mun dam (Run‐of‐River type reservoir) in Thailand (Sripatrprasite & Lin, 2003).…”

“…The capacity of Sri Lankan reservoirs (Figure 1) to support the GFWP CBF is immense (Wijenayake et al., 2005). Regardless of the availability of a wide array of reservoirs (Amarasinghe & De Silva, 2016), supportive management frameworks (Wijenayake et al., 2021) and supplies of GFWP PLs (Chandrasoma & Pushpalatha, 2018), the production of GFWP is comparatively attenuated, unutilized and underestimated. It is a prerequisite to assess the adaptability and behavioural biology of riverine species, such as M. rosenbergii , when introduced to lacustrine systems, such as irrigation reservoirs (De Silva & Funge‐Smith, 2005).…”

“…According to New et al (2000), little attention has been given to GFWP capture fisheries, due to the perceived much greater production potential of farming. CBF of GFWP is an emerging development strategy adopted by some developing nations in Asia, prominent examples are: practices in reservoirs of Kerala in India (Nair et al, 2007); Pak Mun dam in Thailand (Jutagate & Kwangkhang, 2015;Sripatrprasite & Lin, 2003); and in reservoirs of Sri Lanka (Chandrasoma & Pushpalatha, 2018;Pushpalatha & Chandrasoma, 2010;Wijenayake et al, 2005), where it is growing and increasing in significance (New & Kutty, 2010). Published information on the characteristics of CBF for GFWP is sparse, but valuable information on reservoir fishery enhancement activities is available for Bangladesh (Ahamed et al, 2014), India (Nair et al, 2007;Nair & Salin, 2012), Indonesia, Myanmar (New & Kutty, F I G U R E 1 Map of identified potential inland reservoirs for the enhancements of giant freshwater prawn in Sri Lanka 2010) and Thailand (Jutagate & Kwangkhang, 2015).…”

Climate change and adaptation to social-ecological change: the case of indigenous people and culture-based fisheries in Sri Lanka

“…This aquaculture is the best fit for the changes surrounding Coastal-Vedda's SES, such as climate (e.g., cyclones, floods, and droughts) and way of life (e.g., non-mobile lifestyle). CBF can build more resilience among Coastal-Vedda than can other livelihoods, as it: (i) reduces food insecurity by supplying consistent protein sources (Amarasinghe and Nguyen, 2009), (ii) does not involve major investments (compared to intensive large-scale aquaculture operations), with the cost of fingerling stocking borne by multiple funders (RFO, NGOs, government) (Chandrasoma and Pushpalatha, 2018), and (iii) creates opportunities to collaborate and co-learn with external information/knowledge sources. Globally, aquaculture is identified as an adaptive strategy for climate change impacts and is included in some countries' national natural resources strategies (e.g., Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Fiji, and Vietnam) (Bosma et al, 2012, Dey et al, 2016a, Dey et al, 2016b, Rosegrant et al, 2016.…”

Plankton biodiversity in various typologies of inundation in Paminggir peatland, South Kalimantan, Indonesia on dry season

“…Index of evenness was inverse to index of diversity so that the higher evenness was a temporary area. This opinion was supported by Wijenayake et al (2014); Chandrasoma and Pushpalatha (2018) that revealed the high index of diversity indicated that at this location it was feasible in terms of the availability of natural food for inland fisheries activities. On the other hand, temperature, sunlight, dissolved oxygen and pH were important components of plankton life and growth in various inundation.…”