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Information Gaps and Offshore Fishery in Sri Lanka

Investigation of Information Gaps that Impact on the Economic Efficiency of Offshore Fishery in Sri

Lanka

Pearl K. Wijesekara

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to the Professor Ranjith Senarathne / Chairman and the Attorney-at-law Mr. S. M. Henricus / Director General of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka for the opportunity and fullest support to complete my postgraduate studies.

I am thankful to Dr. Ruwan Gamage / Senior Lecturer, NILIS, and University of Colombo for being the supervisor for this study. Mr. Jagath Rajapaksha / Principal Scientist of the Oceanography and Marine Sciences of NARA is highly acknowledged for being the external supervisor.

I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Uditha Alahakoon / Course Coordinator and all the staff of NILIS at University of Colombo.

Finally, my mother, father, husband and the kids are highly appreciated for being patient during the study period.

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Abstract

Offshore fishery in Sri Lanka is one of the most potential resources that can be developed to meet the future demands. To accomplish this, technology and information have a major role to play with rapid technology advancements and the competition in the fishery. A sample, consisting information on how technology and fisheries information have been used, were collected from offshore fishing vessels registered in Negombo. The data have analyzed and the technology and information gaps that impact to the economic efficiency were found.

The lengths of fishing fleets are ranging from 30-50 feet and majority of vessels (>60%) fall within 40-45 feet. Fishing cost is highly influenced by fuel and bait which is around 1.0 million rupees. Every vessel has the basic navigation equipment such as GPS, compass and communication radios. Major issues is the lack of knowledge and skills on operating the available equipment to get there maximum use. On the other hand, no other navigation equipment such as radar, barometer, wind meter, navigations lights, sexton-starlight etc. Therefore, fleet development in this fishery sector is essential with the navigational equipment as well as the other modern equipment for fish finding etc. It has shown that the skills on equipment have professional skills less than 10% and the rest have been obtained from other users who have experience. Majority of the fishers have more than 10 years fishing experience.

Quality is the other important aspects to consider in the fishery development in Sri Lanka. Cleaning fish at landings with harbor water is critical for fish contamination with virus and other harmful materials. Harbor water use by 77% while freshwater use by 23% for fish cleaning. Depending on the quality, fish grading into three categories and grade-I and II goes export to Japan and Europe and grade-III goes to the local market. 50% of the production is directly purchase by the companies and about 25% is supplied by intermediate buyers. Total export is about 65% from those supplies depending on the quality.

Fleet development program is recommended to be initiated to use new technologies for safety navigation, fish finding, fishing operations and onboard fish processing and storage. Awareness creation on information and technology is recommended onsite as well as via several electronic and paper Medias. In parallel to that awareness all the information may be included in web and make aware on how to access the information. "Nanasala" may be useful for this online information service. Updated global marketing information such as fish prices is very useful for fishers to sell their harvest to maximum and to protect them from intermediates. Information shared

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across the value chain will be an advantage for reducing the risk of volatile fish prices that depend on the export demand. Network coverage for mobile phones is available within 25-30 miles from the coast. Certificate course for offshore fishers is recommended to develop their professional skills that eligible for fishing license.

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Contents

1 Chapter: I Introduction ..................................................1

1.1 Background.....................................................................................................1

1.2 Offshore Fishery in Sri Lanka ....................................................2

1.3 Available Technology and Information Sources ....3

1.3.1 Fishing Technologies ...................................................3

1.3.2 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) ..................................................4

1.3.3 Fishing Methods ...................................................5

1.3.4 Fishing Gears ..6

1.3.5 Post Processing ..7

1.3.6 Navigation and Safety ...7

1.3.7 Marketing ......................................................7

1.4 Challenges in the Fishery Sector .8

1.5 Statement of the Problem ...8

1.6 Objectives ...10

1.7 Definition and Terms ....................................................10

2 Chapter: II- Materials and methods ..11

2.1 ..12

2.2 13

2.3 Data Analysis 13

2.4 Data Gathering Instruments ..13

2.5 Conclusion and Recommendations 14

3 Chapter: III - Literature Review ......................................................14

3.1 History of Fisheries Sector .14

3.2 Review of the Available Research .15

3.2.1 Fishing Crafts ......................................................15

3.2.2 Number and Age of .17

3.2.3 Deep Sea Fish Catch ...19

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3.2.4 The Value Chain of the Deep S 21

3.2.5 Uses of Information and Communications Technology 22

3.2.6 Fishing and Trading Activities ......................................................23

3.2.7 Advices and Services .24

4 Chapter: IV- Results .28

4.1 Skills on Instruments Usage ....................................................28

4.2 Years of experience 29

4.3 Cost per trip 30

4.4 Fishing Fleets 30

4.5 Post-harvest aspects 32

4.6 Marketing 33

4.7 Fishing Gears 34

4.8 Information sources 36

5 Chapter: V - Conclusions and Recommendation 37

5.1 Discussion and Conclusions 37

5.1.1 Technology and information gaps 37

5.2 Recommendations ..................................................40

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List of Figures

Figure 1: Shows the five fishing areas R1-R5 by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ......................................6

Figure 2: Monthly variations of offshore/high seas landings in Negombo harbour in 2012 13 Figure 3: Areas and seasons of Fishing in Sri Lanka, 1998) .16 Figure 4: Registration year of vessels operating at the end of September 2009 (Source: Deep sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, 2010) ....17Figure 5: Present age composition of deep sea vessels by size groups (in feet). Age 0.5 represents newly registered vessels of 2009 while 29.5 for year the vessel registered in 1980. (Source: deep Sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, Amaralal, 2010) 19Figure 6: Annual Sri Lankan deep sea fish catch (t) 1980-2008(Source: Deep sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, Amaralal, 2010) .20Figure 7: Value chain of the deep sea fisheries in Sri Lanka (Source: Deep sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, Amaralal , 2010) 21Figure 8: Skills on instrument usage in offshore/high seas fishery sector .29Figure 9: Years of the experience of offshore/high seas fishermen 29Figure 10: Major cost and total cost of offshore/high seas fishing vessels .30Figure 11: Length Vs HP of offshore/high seas fishing vessels .31Figure 12: Vessels Reg. No. and Fishing days of offshore/high seas fishing vessels.31Figure 13: Minimum Catch and Fleet length of offshore/high seas fishing vessels 32Figure 14: Post-harvest technology of offshore/high seas fishing vessels 32Figure 15: Marketing value chains of offshore/high seas fishing vessel .33Figure 16: Marketing value chain of the offshore/high seas fishery .......34Figure 17: Longline fishing gear of the offshore/high seas fishery 34Figure 18: Longlines length of offshore/high seas fishing vessels ..35Figure 19: Total hooks per trip of offshore/high seas fishing vessels 36Figure 20: Longline configurations of offshore/high seas fishing vessels ..36Figure 21: Information sources used in offshore/high seas fishery sector ..37

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Abbreviations

EEZ - The Exclusive Economic Zone

IRI - International Research Institute

GDP - Gross Domestic Product

GPS - Global Positioning System,

SSB radio - Single Side Band radio

NRT - Near Real Time

NARA - National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency

VMS - Vessel Monitoring System

FAD - Fish Aggregating Devices

PS - Purse Seine

ALDFG - Abandon Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

ICES - International Council for the Exploration of the Sea

ICT - Information Communication Technologies

FOA - Fiber Optic Association

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization

SOS - International Morse code distress signal

HACCP - Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points

GMP - Good Manufacturing Practice

CPUE - Catch per Unit of Effort

MCS - Monitoring, Control and Surveillance

CFC - Ceylon Fisheries Cooperation

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DFAR - Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

WAP - Wireless Application Protocol

MFAR - Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development

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1 Chapter: I - Introduction

1.1 Background

Sri Lanka is situated in the southern India Ocean and that positioning between latitude longitude The land area is approximately 65,610 sq. km and a coastline of about 1,600 km. India and Sri Lanka has separated by shallow waters~10mdeep Palk Strait. However, the continental shelf ends more abruptly, averaging 22.5 km in width and rarely extending beyond 40 km. Within the shelf area, estimated to cover about 30,000 sq. km, which mean water depth is about 75 m, but the submarine elevations drop abruptly to 900 m within 3 km

, there is a steep descent of over 5,500 m bringing it to the general bottom level of the Indian Ocean. (Maddumabandara, 1989)

Under the Maritime Zones Law No. 22 of 1976, Sri Lanka has proclaimed several areas with national maritime jurisdiction, in conformity with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the maritime jurisdiction of Sri Lanka covers the following major areas such as internal waters, historical waters and territorial waters etc. Internal water is defined as waters in the landward side of the baseline from which the limits of the territorial sea is measured. Internal waters include numerous embayment and areas of coastal sea, as

territory. Historic waters include the Palk Bay, Palk Strait, and Gulf of Mannar areas claimed on the basis of traditional use by Sri Lankans. The Historic waters in the Palk Bay

in the Gulf of Mannar form part of the territorial sea. The territorial sea extends to a distance of 12 nautical miles. Sri Lanka asserts its sovereign rights over this area, including the right to control movement of foreign ships and aircraft through the water and air spaces of the territorial sea. The extent of the territorial sea area is reported to be 21,500sq. km (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2002). The contiguous zone extends to a distance of 24 nautical miles, within which Sri Lanka asserts its rights to take measures necessary to secure the enforcement or prevent the contravention of its laws relating to security, immigration, health, sanitation, customs or other revenue matters.

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baseline. Within this zone Sri Lanka asserts, among others, sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources (living and non-living)

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and exclusive rights to authorize regulate and control scientific research. The area enclosed by the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is reported as517, 000sq. km. (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2002), which is 7.8 times the total land area of the country.

The country can also claim an extensive but yet to be determined additional extent of seabed area under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The total area including the EEZ is suspected to be 23 times larger than the total land area and can be used for exploration and exploitation of minerals and hydrocarbon resources (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2002)

1.2 Offshore Fishery in Sri Lanka

offshore/high seas. Off shore fishing refers to the fishing beyond the territorial waters extending up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the fishing beyond EEZ known as high seas fishing. Although the country has a narrow continental shelf with an extent of 30,000 km2

an extensive sea area to engage in offshore/high seas fishing activities. This fishing segment of Sri Lanka is characterized with inadequate investments for new technologies and human resources developments to enhance the fishing skills. Lack of education and knowledge in the industry hampered the development of this fishery sector which involves fishing technology and modern equipment to enhance the fishing efficiency.

Fisheries of the open-access have been considered with natural resources, which could be exploited with moderate levels of technical training and investment. Almost countries endowed with these resources have hundreds of in harvesting them. In Sri Lanka too, the traditional fishermen had mastered the techniques of harvesting coastal fishery resources with the available technology such as beach seines, gillnets, lines using oru (outrigger canoes), vallam and theppam. Currently, the traditional fishing activities have been limited to coastal water bodies and inland fisheries. However, fiberglass reinforced boats with outboard engines of capacity ranging from 15-40 horsepower are being using in coastal fishery extending up to the shelf.

Tremendous pressure on agricultural and fishery resources has been increasing with the demand for foods for high population growth rate. Technological transfer in agriculture brought high-yielding paddy varieties from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the early 1960s. This enabled Sri Lanka to meet her cereal demand to a considerabl

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However, fish exploitation has not met the demands of increasing consumption rates due to low production. Therefore, it is important to investigate the factors that affected for fishing efficiency.

After the three decades of civil war from 1980s in the North and East (2/3 of coastline), many technological innovations have been introduced to the coastal fisheries. The government intervention in fisheries was mainly characterized by improving the traditional crafts and gears, introduction of new crafts and fishing techniques. Development of fisheries infrastructure facilitated reaping the full benefits of the above measures. Among these, the commencement of exploiting deep-sea resources through increasing multi-day fishing crafts was very important step in the development of Sri Lankan fisheries. The government aims to increase the consumption rate from 17.2kg to 22 kg by 2016 and therefore the fishery production is to be increased to meet the demand and to increase the per capita consumption. (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2002)

Sri Lanka has considerable fisheries potential in coastal water where 50% of the production taking and reached the level of maximum utilization. Therefore offshore/high seas, in land fisheries and aquaculture are main concerned areas for future developments. However, the fisheries sector contributes around 1.2 percent to GDP and employs over 650,000 people directly and indirectly in fishery related activities. (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2002)

1.3 Available Technology and Information Sources

1.3.1 Fishing Technologies

Sri Lankan fisheries are targeting free swimming fish schools using shallow water long lines and gillnets and no advanced technology being used to find fish aggregations or other fishing gears such as purse seine. Among the instruments, Global Positioning System (GPS), compass and Single Side Band radio (SSB radio), the minimum required instruments for navigation and communication are being used.

For the development of offshore/ high seas fishery, fishing technology play a major role including the developments discussed above. Whatever the fishing methods and gears used, state of the art of technology is required to find the fishing grounds. However, offshore fishery resources involve high investment and operational cost and less technological improvements have been occurred during last few decades. Since offshore/high seas fishery targeting highly migratory species such as yellowfin tuna, technology advancement is needed.

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Advanced methodologies have been developed by many countries to find particular fishery resources depending on their ocean conditions considering the behavior and migratory nature of the offshore fish species. Latest technology to predict fishing ground is to use satellite technology. In this method, ocean environmental parameters have been obtained from various sensors onboard satellites and derive the oceanographic conditions. Knowing the relationship between the ocean conditions and fish aggregations, it is possible to predict fishing grounds using ocean parameters such as temperature.

Development of fishing ground forecasting system requires understanding the catch rates of interested species based on the ocean environment as well as their migratory movements. Remote sensing plays an important role in fishery research and fishery management by providing synoptic views of ocean environmental effects on abundance and availability of fish populations. In order to exploit these resources more effectively, fishermen should use state of the art technology such as satellite based fish forecasting system. Therefore, development of satellite based fishery forecasting system based on Near Real Time (NRT) satellite and other ocean observations is timely important challenge for Sri Lanka.

National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has been developing such kind of system and information dissemination on potential fishing ground was started in 2008 based on satellite technology. Providing such information, fishermen will enable to reach fishing grounds with less fuel consumption promising the expected catch with lesser time. Hence, the high quality fish can be landed helping to enhance exports.

1.3.2 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)

Ensuring and promoting the safety of fishers and fishing vessels that take them to the seas have been critical issues with which the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of the said Ministry have seriously concerned over the years. This problem has received wide public attention in recent times on account of anumber of serious incidents costing the lives of fishers and resulting in damage or loss of fishing vessels. To ensure and promote the safety of fishers and fishing vessels, planned and formulated a programme by the Ministry and Department. It has been completed this undertaking with the active collaboration of all the major stakeholders such as the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Telecommunication RegulatoryCommission and most importantly the fishing community organizations. This plan

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along with the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) which will be in place in the near future will help in resolving most of the safety at sea related issues.

VMS is a programme of fisheries surveillance, in which equipment that is installed is

is different from traditional monitoring methods, such as using surface and aerial patrols, on-board observers, logbooks or dockside interviews. After implementing the VMS, it provides a fishery management agency with accurate and timely information about the location and activity of regulated fishing vessels.

The preferred communications medium involves the use of satellite systems because the geographic coverage is greater. These other technologies may also have applications in near shore fisheries and for smaller vessels. The identity and location of shipboard VMS units are presented on a map display, comparing vessel positions with features of interest, such as EEZ boundaries and regulated fisheries areas.(Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2002)

1.3.3 Fishing Methods

Offshore high seas fishery can be divided into two groups depending on their vulnerability to catch known as free-schools that are free swimmers and log-schools that are associated with Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). Sri Lankan offshore/high seas fishery totally depends on the free swimming schools.

However, FAD fishery is more common in the Western Indian Ocean by distance water fishing nations. Modern FADs are equipped with acoustic instruments that provide information of the log-schools via satellites. More than 80% of the Indian Ocean, Tuna is taking by purse seine (PS) fishing gears in the area-R2 (Fig.1) by industrial distance water fishers. PS fishing effort is increasing trends on associated schools. It means that FAD fishery has been increased during last few decades. Therefore, anchored FADs within the EEZ of Sri Lanka and floating FADs beyond EEZ can be proposed for implementation of purse seine fishery by Sri Lanka.

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Figure 1: Shows the five fishing areas R1-R5 by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (Source: IOTC).

1.3.4 Fishing Gears

Presently, the fishing gears of gill nets and longlines are used by the most fishermen in offshore/high seas fishery in Sri Lanka.

The mortality rate from lost demersal longlines is usually low. Such lost gear may persist in the environment, however, when it is constructed of monofilament. Ghost mortality is a function of the gear type, the operation and the location with regard to active ocean features and elements. Lost longlines gear may continue to catch fish as long as bait exists on the hooks. Fish caught on the hooks may themselves become a form of bait for subsequent fish, both target and non-target. Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in the form of longlines will not stop fishing until all of the hooks are bare. The extent to which this occurs and its effects on community structure have not been analyzed (NOAA-2004).

Vertical profile, mesh size, mesh stiffness and transparency are the primary characteristics that make gill net gear effective. Mesh size is important for species and size selectivity but is less important in terms of effectiveness than the other characteristics (ICES, 2000). Other factors relating to the overall catch from gill nets are depth and sea bottom type. Together with the availability of vulnerable species,

and fouling are thus key determinants of the effective mortality rate/catching efficiency of ghost gill nets.

Fisheries in offshore/high seas are mainly targeted medium and large tunas with skipjack and yellow fin dominating the catches while sailfish, swordfish and marlin are also common in the catch. Many species of sharks are also a part of offshore/high seas sea catches.

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1.3.5 Post Processing

Presently offshore/high seas fishing fleets are practicing limited post-harvest technology, equipment and information. Usually practicing gills and gutting before ice the longlines fishing and no practicing gills and gutting before ice the gill nets fishing.

Mainly two types of ice processing plants are in Sri Lanka i.e. blocking ice and flake ice plants. Most of the plants used for the fisheries sector are block ice processing plants that manufacture 50 kg block ice. The water for block ice processing is originated from wells close to the plants or from municipal tap water. Water source is usually stored in sumps and overhead tank before it is used. The quality of ice used for cooling of fish is not up to the required hygiene standards (personnel communication). Mainly two types of freezing methods are used in fish processing plants in Sri Lanka, namely plate freezing and blast freezing for freezing of fish. Considerable amount of fish is being exported in fresh form with the use of gel ice packs.

1.3.6 Navigation and Safety

Currently, each vessel is equipped with GPS, magnetic compass and admiralty charts for navigation. However, fishers are not competent enough to use the all functions in GPS for efficient navigation and secure fishing operations. Therefore, the equipment is not fully utilized due to lack of professional knowledge and skills. Modern equipment such as radar, barometer, wind indicator, navigations lights, gyro-compass, sexton star-light are impossible to utilize to the fishing fleets.

Life buoys and first-aid boxes have been used by every boat and fire-extinguishers could be found in some fleets. However, the knowledge on first-aid treatments in

Due to dearth professional knowledge and skills, the equipment is not fully used. Moreover, manufactures do not give information and instructions about the vessel. As a result, fishers also do not pay their attention in the stability of the vessel.

1.3.7 Marketing

Available marketing value chain has been consisted with international market (exports) and domestic market (local market) also that has most of post-harvest losses and therefore lot of fish quantity has been rejected by the export market.

Fish landed at fishery harbours are generally transported to the wholesale market for local consumption and processing factories for exportation. Fish landed at anchorages and landing sites are generally sold in the local market. Fish received at wholesale

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market is sold to retailers. They buy fish from wholesale dealers and distribute through urban stalls, village stalls and household distributors etc. Nowadays, fish available at supermarkets are very popular among the urban consumers.

Fish exports concentrated tuna species, yellowfin tuna and big eye tuna are the most important. Tuna exports are currently targeted at two main markets, Japan and the European Union. Fresh, chilled and frozen sashimi tuna or Grade 1 taste is mainly exported to the Japanese market. Exports to the European Union consist of Grade II quality lean meat, yellowfin tuna processed into vacuum packed fresh/chilled loins, fillets and streaks.

Shark fin, squid and cuttlefish attract the Singaporean and the Thai markets and beach-de-merand shark fins are mainly exported to Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Chanks and other shells are exported to Pakistan and Bangladesh. Seaweeds are exported in small quantities to Europe and Japan.

1.4 Challenges in the Fishery Sector

Introduction of new technologies and human resources development of the fishery sector is a major challenge as the fishers have been diversified education levels and fishing skills. The question is how to make them aware of the new knowledge and technologies continuing updates. Therefore, it prerequisites to investigate the information that can be provide to develop fishing skills, knowledge on new technologies and equipment. Hence, effective information services can be established using proper Medias which can be accessed by the fishers as well as the related workers in the sector.

Overall fishery has tremendous challenges with respect to the technology and information gaps can be found. Owing to these challenges, exploitation of fishery resource has been subsided over the past few decades. Investment for the industry has not been increased during the last few decades due to several issues such as uncertainty of catch.

1.5 Statement of the Problem

The existing knowledge and the available information in the offshore/high seas fishery sector are insufficient to cope with the current competitive environment in the region. Therefore, enhancement of these areas to facilitate the sector will be beneficial to improve the fishing skills, quality of fish as well as the market efficiency. Skippers, the vessel captains play the major role in all activities involved in fishing operations mainly in navigation and deciding the fishing area, gear

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configuration, processing, keep recording etc. However, no Skipper has been undergone in any specially designed skill development training program which is unavailable in Sri Lanka. This study is aiming to find the knowledge and information gaps that need to be improved in the sector. For instance, engaging in fishing activities as a labour, they learn how to operate GPS (Global Positioning System) to some extent that they can navigate for fishing and return to back home. But GPS can do a lot to helping fishing activities and safe navigation with the help of paper maps or digital maps embedded in the instruments. There are other acoustic instruments (sonar) that have been used to find the exact locations and appropriate depth of those resources.

There are several factors concerning the vessel developments to facilitate the required space for instrumentation, fishing gears, gear operating instruments, onboard fish processing, storage capacity, and chill bath and freezer facilities. Engine horse power is an important factor to reach fishing grounds quickly and landing as soon as possible. Fishing efficiency is depends on the gear type, size and deployment facilities including the baits. Fishing operations involves the fishing skills of the Skipper having the knowledge on migration pattern of tunas, sea currents, food availability, selecting suitable bait for the season, gear configuration (number of hooks per basket, depth of gear deployment depending on the area and season), colour of water, fish forecast information. Onboard fish processing, chilling and storage are essential knowledge to maintain the quality of fish as quantity of fish does not make sense if the quality is low. Primary factor for marketing is the quality of fish, but there is other essential information that can make the marketing efficient to ensure the revenue and to minimize post-harvest losses.

Based on the technologies and information, other counties achieve their target from offshore/deep sea fish productions. Sri Lankan fishermen will be able to achieve twofold fish production during a fishing trip through improvement of the knowledge and information gaps. Those efforts will upgrade not only the quality of life but also

There is a need to invest in well-equipped large vessels as well as multi day fishing boats with adequate equipment and technology to exploit the deep sea resources. In particular, Sri Lanka has been unable to exploit tuna fish resources owing to inadequate facilities in the fishing fleets and inadequate technologies. Therefore, it is timely important to urge more and more private sector investments into the offshore/high seas fishing segment.

The contribution of the marine fisheries (coastal and deep sea) sub-sectors to the fisheries sector is around 86%. The coastal fish production contributes to more than

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half a percent (53%) of the total fish production, while offshore/high seas fishery contribution is around 33%. The share of fresh water fishery is around 14%. Over the last five years (2005- 2009) the annual average growth of the fisheries sector was around 1.1%. The highest yield was 340,000 tons recorded in the last ten years, while year 2005 marked the lowest production (163,000 tons) following the Tsunami devastation in year 2004.

There are opportunities to further increase offshore/high seas fish productions by developing the fishermen skills in areas of navigation, map usage, safety onboard, new fishing technologies, fishing gears and fishing methods with best information sources.

Still, the fishing technology, fisheries information services are not been developed to compete with the other fishing nations in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, it is a vital role to develop the manpower in the fisheries sector with modern fishing and information technology.

1.6 Objectives

Overall Objective

To identify the technology and information gaps to enhance the economic efficiency in terms of new technologies, fleet developments, navigation, gear technology, fishing methods, fishing technology, post-harvest technologies and marketing value chain.

Specific Objectives

Investigate the current status of the technology and information gaps that affect the economic efficiency of the offshore/high seas fishery sector Identify new technologies and information on which the skills of the fishers can be improved through awareness and training programs To investigate the information required for effective marketing system to increase revenue and minimize post-harvest losses

1.7 Definition and Terms

Offshore/High Seas Fishery

broadly categorized into two sectors known as coastal and offshore/high seas. Offshore fishing refers to the fishing beyond the territorial waters extending up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the fishing beyond EEZ

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known as high seas fishing. Although the country has a narrow continental shelf with an extent of 30,000 km2

an extensive sea area to engage in offshore/high seas fishing activities. This fishing segment of Sri Lanka is characterized with inadequate investments for new technologies and human resources developments to enhance the fishing skills. Lack of education and knowledge in the industry hampered the development of this fishery sector which involves fishing technology and modern equipment to enhance the fishing efficiency.

Economic Efficiency

In economics, the term economic efficiency refers to the use of resources so as to maximize the production of goods and services. An economic system is said to be more efficient than another if it can provide more goods and services for society without using more resources.

Information Gaps

The existing knowledge and the available information in the offshore/high seas fishery sector are insufficient to cope with the current competitive environment in the region. Therefore, enhancement of these areas to facilitate the sector will be beneficial to improve the fish forecasting services, fishing and navigation skills, quality of fish as well as the market efficiency.

2 Chapter: II- Materials and methods

method, sources of data, procedure, data gathering instruments and statistical techniques used.

2.1 Data Collection and Methodology

The research intended to use the method of questionnaire to conduct this study plan and to gather data. The questionnaire method is a popular method of a data collection. This is considered as a cheap and is liable method of data collection. Considering the sources of information the researcher feels that the method of questionnaire is the most appropriate to this study than other data collection methods. Therefore, the researcher selected this method to his research work with the idea of gathering data as an important source. The researcher prepared a questionnaire containing deferent questions related to the field of study, compiled from different angles issued to

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skippers, vessel owners of multiday fishing fleets. The collected data will be tabled and analyzed critically. The utilization of information sources and collection of data cannot be conducted overnight. Several visits need to be meeting concerned parties or samples. Taking this into consideration the researcher used the method of questionnaire for the data collection.

Also necessary data and information had been collected from a questionnaire (appendices A) and the information were collected by face to face questioning and recording. The questionnaire was prepared containing different questions related to the field of study. The fields have been recognized by the Fisheries Ministry of Sri Lanka government.

It was compiled using information collected from Skippers and Owners of multiday

can be broadly categorized into two sectors known as coastal and offshore/high seas. Offshore fishing refers to the fishing beyond the territorial waters extending up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the fishing beyond EEZ known as high seas fishing. Although the country has a narrow continental shelf with an extent of 30,000 km2 nsive sea area to engage in offshore/high seas fishing activities. This fishing segment of Sri Lanka is characterized with inadequate investments for new technologies and human resources developments to enhance the fishing skills. Lack of education and knowledge in the industry hampered the development of this fishery sector which involves fishing technology and modern equipment to enhance the fishing efficiency. The data were tabulated and analyzed. Data/information was collected from 30 fishing vessels in Negombo fishery harbour during one month period in 2013.

The Negombo fishery harbour is situated 40 km North of Colombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka (lat7.15, lon79.85). The harbour is more popular and active on offshore/high seas fish landings and most of the skilled fishermen are coming from the area. Therefore, it was helpful to collect accurate and reliable information from offshore/high seas fishery in Sri Lanka.

There are more than 400 active offshore/high sea fishing vessels registered in Negombo fishery harbour. Size of the vessels varied from 34-55 feet. With regard to the frequency of landings at Negombo fishery harbour, on average there are about 120 vessels landing during a month (Figure 2).

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Figure 2: Monthly variations of offshore/high seas landings in Negombo harbour in 2012

The project focused on vessels the size of which varied from 45-55 feet. There are more than 122 active offshore/high sea fishing vessels registered in Negombo fishery harbour with the size of the vessels in the range of 45-55 feet. Therefore, data were collected from 30 vessels (25%) of size of the vessels coming under this category.

2.2 Limitations

The data were collected from fishery harbour in Negombo. This was limited to tuna longlines. At least 30 vessels were selected for sampling. Time duration of research paper was limited to six month. Therefore this is limited to the sampling categories. Methods of traditional information were not followed from this research and investigated modern technologies with information.

2.3 Data Analysis

The survey was focused on examining the offshore/high seas fishery in Sri Lankan fishers. The collected data and information have been gathered to an excel database in order to analyze the data. The data and information were grouped into several categories depending on the usage and related activities and percentages were calculated for comparison. Various aspects of the technology and information have been analyzed to understand the status of the offshore high seas fishery sector and to find appropriate solutions to meet the gaps.

2.4 Data Gathering Instruments

Necessary data and information were collected through personal interviews with relevant personal. They were issued questionnaires to be completed for collecting data; here the questionnaires are the prime data gathering instrument.

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The utilization information sources available in multi-day fishing vessels of Sri

required to pay several visits to the Negombo harbour. Under the circumstances the researcher considered that utilization of survey questionnaires was a most suitable method for data collection. As an instrument a well prepared questionnaire schedule was used. The interviewees of the sample were skippers and owners of mult-iday

was well-prepared to cover all required information ensuring their validity and checked and obtained approval of the research supervisor before proceeding. The sample questionnaire is attached in the appendix.

2.5 Conclusion and Recommendations

On the other hand, no other navigation equipment such as radar, barometer, wind meter, navigation lights, sexton-starlight etc. Therefore, fleet development in this fishery sector is essential with the navigational equipment as well as the other modern equipment for fish finding etc.

Fleet development programme is recommended to be initiated to use new technologies for safety navigation, fish finding, fishing operations and onboard fish processing and storage. Awareness creation on information and technology is recommended onsite as well as via several electronic and paper media.

3 Chapter: III - Literature Review

3.1 History of Fisheries Sector

Fisherman is a person whose livelihood is fishing. Accordingly, water can be identified as seas, lagoons and any other water resources in land. Fishing industry has begun from fishing or killing fish for meal in the early periods of past. The history of fishing dates back about 40,000 years. According to the historical sources, world fishing industry has begun in the period of Paleolithic (Stone Age)

Traditional fishing villages in many of the countries in the world are changing rapidly. Traditional fishing villages in developed countries have changed because of socio-economic changes, capitalization and urbanization. Also, they used to use new technical fishing gears in spite of traditional fishing gears.

Marine fishing industry in Sri Lanka was started from coastal area fishing. Also lagoons and any other water bodies in land areas were focused for main access.

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Fishermen have created equipment and vessels they needed using their genealogical knowledge and experience. In Sri Lanka, fishing vessels have been expanded from simple yacht to multi day boat which is made of fiberglass. Fishing gears and methods expanded and enhanced from primary stage to gillnets, trawling and longlines with fishing methods. In early times, fishers did not target fish species. At that time, fishers target fishes according to their vessels. They are skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, kawakawa, silky shark, thresher shark, shark, blue marlin, sailfish, swordfish, narrow barred, dolphin fish, queen fish, and Wahoo.

The harvest production had targeted only to the domestic market in the primary stage. That has been expanded to the export market about 50 % at present. Other 50% is rejected due to post-harvest losses.

Main activities in fishing industry are fishing or plantation, processing, protecting, storing, transport and trade. All of sea foods are introduced by fishing industry.

3.2 Review of the Available Research

The functions of the Ministry and institutions under the Ministry are to promote the development of the fishing industry, regulate fisheries activities and look after the welfare of those who engage in fishing. The research on fisheries and marine science are being directly conducted by National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) in Sri Lanka. The Agency is the apex national institute which is vested in the responsibility of carrying out and coordinating research, development and management activities of the subject of aquatic resources in Sri Lanka. The NARA which is a statutory body established by NARA Act of No. 54 of 1981 has conducted a large number scientific studies in the field of fisheries and aquatic resources while providing services for development and sustainable utilization of living and non-living aquatic resources. The Agency is currently developing the areas of Fishing Technology, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Post-Harvest Technology, Aquaculture and Socio-economic and Marketing division etc.

Findings of researches ishing Vessels in Sri Lanka Tuna Fishing in Sri Lank published by NARA, update the information about the offshore/high seas fishery and developments of Sri Lanka.

3.2.1 Fishing Crafts

In the late 1950s, one-day fishing crafts within board engines operated up to 40 km from the coastline for deep sea fishing have become popular among fisher folk.

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However, these types of boats were not facilitated with chill or freezer and therefore the fishery have confined to one-day. To solve the problem, ice compartments were introduced to their existing one-day crafts in late 1980s. These crafts became very popular as Tank-Boats. These tank boats were later converted into multi-day vessels operating in deep sea (MDOV). The multi-day vessels were equipped with basic navigational equipment such GPS and compass, SSB radio including ice hole and a cabin for the crew members (Amarasinghe, 2001).

nd outside Sri L .

Figure 3: 1998)

Deep sea fisheries in Sri Lanka operate mostly in 3 areas (indicated by the 3 colors in Figure 3) depending on both oceanographic conditions and fisheries. Oceanographic conditions around Sri Lanka are driven by bimodal pattern of monsoonal winds. These monsoons give rise to two periods of fishing operations, the North-East one from December to February and the South-West one from May to September. However, fishing is conducted in the South throughout the year. In the south, south-east and the east gill nets are used alone but in the west and the south-west gill nets are used together with longlines (Maldeniya and Amarasooriya, 1998).

The types of the MDOVs´ presently operating in the deep sea fisheries are made of fiberglass but vary in length and the degree of having sophisticated technological equipment. The lengths of these vessels generally vary from 28 to 60 ft and they are powered by inboard-engines. Most of the MDOVs in operation today are 28 to 40 ft powered by 45 to 110 hp engines. These MDOVs are often equipped with navigation and communication equipment. To enable the MDOVs to engage in longer fishing

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trips they are facilitated by a water tank, two fuel tanks, an ice hold, a fish hold and a cabin for crew members. With the increase in the length of the vessels, the size of its fuel tanks, water tank, ice holding and fish holding capacities have also increased, making longer trips possible and more efficient.

Generally, 3 crew members and the captain are employed of the vessels from 28 to 32 ft while 4 crew members and the captain are employed for the 33-44 ft. Most of the time, vessels > 44 ft are employed 4 crew members and the captain but some of the bigger vessels employed 5 crew members and the captain for their fishing operations.

The average number of trips per year for 28-34 ft group was found to be was 27 followed by 21 for the 35- 39 ft, 14 for the 40-44 ft and 12 for the >44 ft vessels groups respectively. The number of sea days and fishing days per trip is governed by the distance to the fishing area, the number of days that the fish can maintain export quality on ice or in the chill baths. The bigger vessels which have chill baths can sail long distance having more sea days and fishing days. The highest number of days of a trip and actual fishing days of a trip are seen for the > 44ft group while the lowest is found for the 28-34 ft group. The highest number of trips a year is by the 28-34 ft group while the fewest trips are taken by the > 44 ft group. The ratio of fishing efficiency is found as the actual fishing days per trip to the total days per trip. (Amaralal, 2010).

3.2.2 Number and Age of Operating Vessels

In 2007 the Sri Lankan department of fisheries launched an island wide census to register all MDOVs operating in deep sea fisheries. Shown in Figure 4 is the number of MDOVs according to the census of 2007 and from then on the annually registered new vessels into deep sea fisheries until the end of September 2009.

Figure 4: Registration year of vessels operating at the end of September 2009 (Source: Deep sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, 2010)

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The figure indicates that the now operating multi-day deep sea vessels, registered from 1980 to 1984, were relatively few. The number of operating vessels, registered since then, has been increasing slightly over the years until 1990. The main reason for this increase was a subsidy scheme introduced in 1983 by the government, financed through the Abu Dhabi Trust Fund. Under this scheme 35 per cent of the capital expenditure of vessels was subsidized and a total number of 70 vessels entered the fisheries through this programme (Gulbrandsen, 1998).

For the vessels registered according to the census after 1992 the number of now operating vessels has shown a sharp increase up to 1995. The main reason for this increase was the subsidy scheme which was introduced by the government in 1991. Under this scheme the government subsidized 35% the converting of the existing one day 3.5 ft vessels into multi-day deep sea vessels. Although the records of actual numbers of converted vessels through this program are not available it is assumed that a large number of fishermen benefited and, because of the subsidies, entered the deep sea fisheries.

For the vessels now operating, it can be seen that after 1996 the number of vessels is more or less stable until 2003. At the beginning of 2005 the deep sea fisheries faced the diminishing in fish landings due to the reduction of operated vessels which were destroyed or damaged by tsunami devastation at the late of 2004. It was estimated that 195 deep sea vessels were destroyed and 402 vessels were damaged due to the tsunami devastation (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2007).

In 2006 and 2007 a sharp increase in numbers of registered vessels can be seen. The main reason for this can be attributed to vessel donations by governmental and nongovernmental organizations under the programme of restoration of fisheries, which were affected by tsunami devastation. It was found that the reregistered number of MDOVs´ has increased by 66% in 2007 compared to the year 2004. Relevant information is not available for the estimation of the numbers of MDOVs that were entered into the deep-sea fisheries as a result of donations immediately after the Tsunami (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2002)

In the present study MDOVs have been grouped into four categories according to lengths. Figure 5 presents the age of registered vessels of the 4 categories: 28-34, 35-39, and 40-44 and >44 ft.

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Figure 5: Present age composition of deep sea vessels by size groups (in feet). Age 0.5 represents newly registered vessels of 2009 while 29.5 for year the vessel registered in 1980. (Source: deep Sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, Amaralal, 2010)

A large proportion of vessels in all size categories are less than 10 years old but there is a clear trend for an increase in the size of vessels in the past 5 years. It is clear that after the Tsunami the number of vessels in deep sea fisheries has increased sharply and a large proportion of the increase was in the 40-44ft size category of vessels followed by the 35-39 ft. (Amaralal, 2010)

3.2.3 Deep Sea Fish Catch

Deep sea fisheries mainly targeted medium and large tunas with skipjack (Katsuwonuspelamis) and yellow fin (Thunusalbacares) dominating the catches while sailfish (Istiophorusplaytypterus), swordfish (Xiphiasgladius) and marlin are also common in the catch. Many species of sharks are also a part of the deep sea catches. Catch estimates of Sri Lanka have often been criticized in the recent past. Many international governmental and non-governmental organizations have pointed out that

were subjected to a high degree of uncertainty (IOTC, 2009). This has to be taken into account when using Sri Lankan catch estimates. In Figure 6 below the annual total fish catch of the country and its trend are shown based on official catch statistics. (Amaralal, 2010).

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Figure 6: Annual Sri Lankan deep sea fish catch (t) 1980-2008(Source: Deep sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, Amaralal, 2010)

Annual deep sea fish catch from 1980 to 1990 was very low due to low numbers of vessels engaged in these fisheries in that period. During the period of 1990 to 1995 more than a 500% increase is seen in deep sea fish catch. This increase can be attributed to the increase in numbers of vessels operating in that period. Since then, fish production has been increasing up to 2004 although some fluctuations are noticed. The off show catch have dropped from 98,000 to 66,000 t due to the tsunami devastation in year 2004. Owing to rehabilitation programmes and donations of vessels and gear from international organizations the deep sea catch went in 2006 almost up to what it had been in 2003 and has been on the increase since then. When comparing the increase in the number of vessels entered into the fisheries from 2006 to 2008 (Figure 6), when 1,521 were added, the increase in the catch for the same years is relatively much less. The most likely explanation is that either vessels are not targeting the resource areas correctly or an over exploitation of the deep sea resources is taking place. This situation should be given more concern by the authorities governing the management of these fisheries.(Amaralal , 2010)

Most of the total catch is sold in local markets and the rest in export market. A large proportion was exported to the high value markets especially to the Sashimi market in Japan. Local market prices of deep-sea fish, especially tuna, are high throughout the year relative to the buying power of the locals. Almost all the catch enters the local market without any processing. Minimum processing is done before exporting to the Japanese market but some filleting and packaging are done for markets in the EU. Deep sea fisheries are increasingly using new technological equipment and technology for their operational activities, especially mobile phones, using them to communicate with assemblers and using the internet for communication with foreign buyers. This has resulted in a cost reduction and an increase of the profitability of the companies. Producers for export markets now use safety standards in processing of

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fish for cater international market demand, where more concern is placed on the product quality and safety. (Amaralal, 2010)

3.2.4 The Value Chain of the Deep Sea Fisheries

The value chain of deep sea fisheries of Sri Lanka is comprised of two parts i.e. domestic market and exports value chain (Figure 7)

Figure 7: Value chain of the deep sea fisheries in Sri Lanka (Source:Deep sea fishing vessels in Sri Lanka, Amaralal , 2010)

The domestic market value chain of the deep sea fisheries has three links connecting the harvester and consumer, namely assembler, commission agent and retailer. The assembler, who is the first middleman, buys fish directly from vessels when they come ashore and sends it to the wholesale market in Colombo where the commission agents, the second middleman in the structure, take over. The commission agents sell the fish on behalf of assemblers for a commission. Generally, they take 10 percent commission of the total revenue and send the balance to the assemblers. Commission agents do not bear any risk on price reduction in terms of quality deterioration of fish in between landing and the distribution of fish to the market. Retailers, the final intermediaries, buy fish from the commission agents and sell it to consumer with a mark-up. (Amaralal, 2010)

Exports value chain of the deep sea fisheries comprises of two links, the assembler or the agent and the processor/exporter. The latter consists of few private companies, targeting export of yellow fin tuna to the Japanese Sashimi market and some considerable amount of yellow fin tuna and other tuna like skipjack and big eye to the EU and Asian markets. These companies purchase high quality fish offering a higherprice than local market price through their direct and indirect agents. After minimal processing the fish is exported by air to the foreign markets.(Amaralal , 2010).

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New Directions in Fisheries, A Series of policy briefs on Development Issues - Information and Communications Technologies Benefit Fishing has been published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has been included modern information systems with benefits of the Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to the fisheries industry. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

The main objectives of the publication are as follows,

Show how new information and communication technologies (ICTs) can link with established methods to enhance opportunities for developmentReview the uses and potential impact of existing and emerging information and communications technologies in fisheries and fishing communities Suggest policy strategies and partnerships to encourage access to and usage of ICT for fisheries management and for livelihood support and poverty reduction

3.2.5 Uses of Information and Communications Technology

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) are being used across the fisheries sector, from resource assessment, capture or culture to processing and commercialization. Some are specialist applications such as sonar for locating fish. Others are general purpose applications such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used for navigation and location finding, mobile phones for trading, information exchange and emergencies, radio programming with fishing communities and Web-based information and networking resources. A wide range of technologies can be adapted and introduced in all but the most remote communities and, once appropriated by users, can have positive impacts on their lives. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

processing and transmission of i Responsible use of ICTs can contribute constructively both to livelihoods enhancement and poverty reduction in fishing communities. Access to and exchange of key information can assist fishing communities in making informed decisions on a variety of matters from whether to engage in specific fishing operations to trading at a local market to participating in a meeting decisions that can help reducing their vulnerability and improving their opportunities. ICTs can also assist people to be heard, encourage networking and knowledge-sharing and increase access to the governance process and political agency. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

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ICT usage has evolved in an unstructured way through a combination of market forces, the ingenuity of civil society and varyingly favorable government frameworks. There is a concern that marginalized and vulnerable communities may not benefit equally, and that ICTs can contribute to widen the gap between rich and poor, the powerful and the exploited. Functional literacy may also be needed for many digital technologies, which in turn requires new skills and capabilities. Rising demand, falling equipment prices, the growing integration and inter-connectivity of ICTs suggests the spread of these technologies will accelerate. (Food and AgricultureOrganization -2007)

Given the enormous potential of ICTs, this brief argues that there is an urgent need to focus strategically on ensuring that:

explicitly towards meeting the needs of the poor; and, into participative,

people-centered communications for development and knowledge sharing approaches.

vulnerable local intermediary is

required so that ICTs can contribute meaningfully to improve the livelihoods of the poor;

communities, in order to facilitate their empowerment; and

and organizational community structures, so that they can lead not only to the individual but the collective empowerment of poor communities. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

3.2.6 Fishing and Trading Activities

As mentioned by FOA, for fishing operations, a range of increasingly affordable electronic technologies can be used:

As navigational aids and satellite-enabled communications systems such as GPS to mark fishing spots for easy return, saving time and fuel;

Once on fishing grounds, fish-finding equipment such as sonar and echo sounders can be employed to locate specific shoals of fish.

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3.2.7 Advices and Services

Valuable information that can be made available through ICTs includes fishing and processing techniques and equipment, sales and marketing advice, financial advice and services and legal issues. A needs assessment can define areas of interest and how best to respond to them. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

3.2.7.1 E-credit The spread of mobile phones has brought easier and cheaper communication among the various actors (fishers, traders, etc.) in the fishing value chain. Field research carried out in Senegal in July 2006 pointed to a need for mobile-enabled payment systems to facilitate this, based on the rapid growth of varieties of e-money, such as Sell pay in Zambia, G-Cash in the Philippines and No Borders in a number of South American countries. The same technology also shows huge potential to facilitate the sending of remittances from migrant workers. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

3.2.7.2 E-government Potentially significant efficiency improvements can follow networking of relevant government services as illustrated in Senegal, for example, where computers and software packages are being used in fish markets to speed up and improve their administration and monitoring, with plans to link markets to each other and to relevant government offices via the Internet. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

3.2.7.3 Post-harvest ICTs can be integrated into different stages of the fish distribution chain. On Lake Victoria, a Ugandan Nile perch exporter now includes computers and specialist software on board larger fishing vessels and quality control in the factory to reduce waste and help ensure compliance with strict export standards. (Food and Agriculture Organization -2007)

3.2.7.4 People and communities The uses of ICTs for development go beyond direct support for income-generating activities. ICTs for pro-poor development can be a powerful means of reducing

in mobilizing communities to take charge of their own development. In conjunction with traditional communications activities such as meetings and theatre, community radio, video/television, mobile phones, telecentres and print publications can be used to share information and knowledge, as well as raise awareness and stimulate discussion of issues such as gender, health, education, local development and diversification of

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income-generation. ICTs (particularly mobile phones and the Internet/telecentres) also have an important role to play in connecting migrants with their home communities. (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2007)

3.2.7.5 Vulnerability reduction The vulnerability of fishing communities is highly linked to the sensitivity of their livelihoods systems to risks. These risks, means to recognize and address them, as well as the confidence to do so, need to be identified and communicated to reduce vulnerability. (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2007)

3.2.7.6 Increasing safety According to the International Collective in Support of probably the most dangerous occupation accidents at seas are borne by the fis and the fishing community at

ICTs are increasingly being used to ensure safety at sea. Fishers can have access to up-to-date weather information before setting out, through community radio stations, loudspeakers and tele-centres collecting and broadcasting information. Also mobiles and radios allow better communication with other boats and the shore. (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2007)

The International Guidelines on the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas (FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1036) has been included following facts.

The participants overwhelmingly agreed that good management is crucial and that therefore the FAO International Guidelines are necessary and important. The participants emphasized the importance of access to accurate and sufficient data, which is necessary for fishing operators to continue to operate sustainably.

It was noted that the Guidelines must be practical and implementable or risk becoming a non-functional political document. The participants, however, expressed concern that scientific activity and advocacy were often not clearly separated in discussions related to the management of deep-text, and therefore raised concerns over the objectivity of the document.

Participants were of the view that reference to surveys, research, biogeography mapping, etc., in the guidelines should reflect the experience and capacity of the industry to undertake this activity. The industry is capable of collecting and do collect this information.

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1. certification

There was agreement that there is a need to train skippers and crew in deep-water aimed trawling. This could be achieved through on-board training in the presence of well-qualified fishing masters. The participants noted that certification could require in addition, training in:

-sea species;

-fouling reporting

2. Fishing gear impact

The participants noted that all fishing gears can cause physical impacts on the marine environment.

Participants also noted that other fleet sectors should have the opportunity to discuss the impacts of their gears in deep-sea fishing.

The following notes describe the industry commentary with respect to the use of fishing gears in deep water and physical impacts.

3. Gillnets:

The group expressed concern over the use of gillnets in deep-water noting that the European Union and the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) had implemented a ban on the use of gillnets in water depths greater than 600 m. (Common Fisheries Policy - 2012 ). It was noted that gillnetter vessels affected by the ban had already moved into the Indian Ocean where they were targeting deep-water sharks and possibly other species

The key concerns raised by participants included:

nets can become snarled on corals and lost or abandoned;

k of reporting of lost gill nets;

-water; and

-water sharks.

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It was proposed that best practices for gillnetting in the deep seas should take into account the above concerns and include, inter alia:

-water sharks using gill nets should be allowed when there are by catch regulations in force for this species group for other gears in the same region;

rking of fishing gears), losses reported, and retrieval attempted; and

nets should be retained onboard and disposed of ashore in an appropriate manner.

4. Long lines

Long lines were considered relatively benign in terms of the potential for physical damage to the benthos. It was noted that long lines would not ghost fish when lost. With respect to by catch, participants noted that technologies and measures were available to reduce incidental capture of protected species. Participants also noted that seabird by catch was something that could be reduced through various well-established by catch mitigation measures. However, it is important to note that some of the targeted deep-water species cannot be harvested by long line.

It was proposed that best practices for long lining in deep-water should take into account the above concerns and include, inter alia, in areas where seabird interactions are likely to be encountered, by catch mitigation measures such as tori poles, weighted lines, baskets should be considered. (FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1036)

5. Pots in deep-water

A concern related to pot fishing in deep-water was ghost fishing of lost pots. This could be reduced by using appropriate materials that would enable the pots, or a trap panel, to degrade over time or the designs to allow the target species to escape over time, to reduce ghost fishing.

Participants noted that potting also is not an alternative gear for some deep-water fish species.

It was proposed that best practices for pot fishing in deep water should take into account the above concerns and includes that, inter alia, ghost fishing of pots should be minimized through the use of degradable panels and other escape possibilities to

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reduce the fishing function of lost gear to zero. (FAO - Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1036)

4 Chapter: IV- Results

4.1 Skills on Instruments Usage

Skills on navigation equipment such as GPS that are being used for navigation, fishing, safety and communication are essential areas of successful fishing. Evaluating the information collected from fishers, it has shown that the skills on most of the important equipment have been obtained by experience while it is less than 10% are having professional skills (Fig.8) of the fishers who engaged in off show/high seas fishery in Sri Lanka.

No fish finding and eco-sounder have been found in any vessel, reveals that the lack of knowledge and interest on new technologies. In addition to that fishing vessels do not have any safety equipment such as fire-extinguisher and their lives are at a risk. The safety equipment are not in affordable price and therefore the fishermen cannot purchase those. However, first aid boxes are available with some drugs for illness and medicine for injuries.

Every fishing vessel has equipped with GPS (Fig.8), Compass and single side band (SSB) radio for navigation and communication. But the fishers are not aware of fully utilization of those instruments for navigation and communication. Moreover, the SSB radios are misusing making unnecessary traffic disturbing the common channels such as 62104. All these drawbacks have been created due to the fact that professionally unqualified. They also unaware of the important radio channels and communications language with Moose code (SOS- radio signals).

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experiences on maps, GPS, Compass, SSB radios, fish finders and first aid treatments. 3% of fishers are taking the above decisions with their professional knowledge.

4.3 Cost per trip

Cost involved in fishing operations are mainly for fuel, bait, food, ice and maintenance of the vessel and fishing gears. These expenditures are depends on the vessel size or the capacity.

The highest cost is consisted with fuel and baits and similar to all other fleets. Cost for fuel and bait is about 1.0 million rupees. Cost for the bait has become high when compared to the fuel cost (Fig. 10). This is due to import of the bait. This is valuable information for the public to start new business producing bait for the longliners. If the bait is produced locally, the cost can be reduced and leads to stop the foreign exchange involved for the bait.

Fuel cost can be reduced by providing information on fishing grounds using new technologies and equipment such as fish finders.

Figure 10: Major cost and total cost of offshore/high seas fishing vessels

4.4 Fishing Fleets

The lengths of fishing fleets are ranging from 30-50 feet and majority of vessels, more than 60% fall within 40-45 feet.

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Length (feet) 34 40 42 43 45 46 48 No of fleets 02 09 04 03 09 01 02

Table 1: Lengths of fishing fleets of offshore/high seas fishing vessels in Negombo.

The fig.11 shows the horsepower distribution with respect to the vessel length. The average horsepower of the vessels over 40 feet is around 150 and ensure that fuel cost.

Figure 11: Length Vs HP of offshore/high seas fishing vessels

Duration of a fishing trip is from 2-4 weeks and number of trips per year of 87% is limited to 10 (Fig.12).The fishing days can be reduced follow the purpose of fishing ground information services and using the fishing gears with modern technology. That can be maximized the number of fishing trips per year. In the situation, automatically reduced cost per trip (fuel and other cost)

Figure 12: Vessels Reg. No. and Fishing days of offshore/high seas fishing vessels

0

50

100

150

200

250

34 40 40 40 40 40 42 42 43 45 45 45 45 45 48

Hor

se p

ower

Vessel length (ft)

05

101520253035404550

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29Vessels Re. No.

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Figure 15: Marketing value chain of the offshore/high seas fishery

Modern hygienic wholesale and retail sale fish markets will be established throughout the country for ensuring the availability of quality fish. Further, ice plants, fish storage facilities and freezer trucks will be available island wide. This will also help to reduce the post-harvest losses and producer price of the harvest.

It has generated USD 206 million (Rs. 26,363 million) of foreign exchange from the growing export market during the year 2012. The foreign exchange earnings within the fishery industry account 2.2 % to the entire export earnings. 72.26 % of income was gained by the export of fish mainly tuna. Export of shrimp contributed 6.41%, export of crabs is expanding after the resettlement in North region (Fisheries statistics, 2013).

4.7 Fishing Gears

Figure 16: Longline fishing gear of the offshore/high seas fishery

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Majority of the fishermen in Negombo are loneliness targeting yellow fin tuna for the export market. Longlines configuration is varying depending on the area where they fish. Buoy length of lines vary from 15-20 fathom and hook lines from 15-22 fathoms (Fig.20).Sri Lankan longliners operate fishing on free swimming schools targeting tuna and tuna like species (Sail fish, Swordfish, Marline).

According to the common biological systems, fish populations are lived in the deeper sea than areas of the available fishing activities (Buoy length of lines vary from 15-20 fathom and hook lines from 15-22 fathoms). The fishers have no skills on reconfiguration of the fishing gears. Therefore, fishers must have knowledge and skills on fishing gear modifications to design the new fishing gears.

A long line length is varies from 15NM to 38NM. Most of fishers are actively fishing in southern and west sea based. They have not correct information and knowledge follow the fishing grounds. (Fig.18)

Figure 17: Longlines length of offshore/high seas fishing vessels

Hooks per basket varies from 6 to 8 and total numbers of hooks are varying 800 to 1000. Fishers have not sufficient knowledge and information design the long lines with hooks aim for the catch. Therefore big numbers of the fishing hooks are unused. (Fig.19 and Fig. 20).

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29

Lon

glin

e le

ngth

No of boats

36

Figure 18: Total hooks per trip of offshore/high seas fishing vessels

Hooks line length various from 15 fathoms to 22 fathoms. All fishers are used same fishing gears with same design and they do not think about further development of the gears. Therefore the fishing gear of long lines does not efficient for the higher productions (Fig. 20).

Figure 20: Longline configurations of offshore/high seas fishing vessels

4.8 Information sources

While in the land, 50% fishermen are spend their time for watching the TV. Only they are watching News with weather forecasting and telegram and they do not follow special programs of the fishing industry. 16% fishermen seas are spend their time for reading the newspapers with special articles and weather forecasting.

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29

Tot

al h

ooks

No of boats

0

5

10

15

20

25

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

No of boats

Hooks per basket Buoyline length Hookline length

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Therefore, to have better navigation system for safe navigation and efficient fishing operations, fleet development is required.

5.1.1.2 Safety Lifebuoys and first-aid boxes have found in every boat and fire-extinguishers are recorded very often. However, the knowledge on first-aid treatments in distress situations is very limited. Therefore, the fishers life is at risk all the time. It can minimize the risk of fishers in the first stage by conducting awareness among fishers on safety onboard to influence the mind-set of the fishing community. Secondly, it can be enhanced the knowledge and skills by facilitating the safety equipment with proper training.

Fishers also have no attention on the stability of the vessel due to lack of knowledge and lack of the information and instructions given in the vessels by manufacturers. For instance, stability range of vessels is not marked and may lead for the safety of vessels. Hence, fleet development plays a significant role with respect to safety

5.1.1.3 Fleet development It does not mean that a process of increasing the number of fleets every year is fleet development. It has a negative effect on the fishing efficiency in this industry. As a result, it decreases the economic efficiency of the fishery as a whole. Just increasing the number of fleets, the CPUE (catch per unit of effort) will bring down as fish stocks are not increasing in an area at a given time. Catching the available stock with less effort, for instance less numbers of vessels with high capacity, the fishery become economically sound. Carefully analyzing the current situation, catch and profit of an offshore/high seas fleet, 1.0 tone of fish need to sell at a rate of Rs. 600 to cover the fuel cost per trip. This is approximately half of the average catch of a multiday fishing fleet. This means that 50% of our profit or the catch is compensating only for fuel without other expenses such as bait, maintenance of fishing gears and food cost including the labour cost for the crew. Therefore, the fleet development plan should consider reducing number of fleets by introducing larger vessels with higher capacity to operate new fishing methods and technologies to harvest the available stocks with minimum effort.

5.1.1.4 Fishing gears Presently most of fishers are used gear of longlines with their designs and those are targeting skiff jack, yellowfin and big-eye tuna.

Fish behavior of swimming depth, sensitivity to the temperature and fish flows temperature structure of the ocean are being not aimed by fishers with their gear

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designs. Therefore, reconfigure the fishing gears depend on the ocean conditions or the season.

Less than 50% of vessels have net hauler and line hauler. Hand operating net hauler and line hauler are being used by most of the fishermen to get the catch onboard and mechanical winch is being to get the anchor onboard. A few fish finders were found but very little knowledge on handling those equipment to find fish schools. Therefore, promoting such equipment in fleets is very important and a challenging task.

5.1.1.5 Fishing methods Sri Lankan fishery totally depends on the free swimming schools and very recently initiated FAD program in shallow water coastal waters by NARA. However, there are no plans for deep sea FADs which involve high investment and technology. As the FAD fishery is very common in the western Indian Ocean, it is vital to have such methods developed for the region. As a starting point, anchored FADs may be deployed within the EEZ of Sri Lanka.

5.1.1.6 Fish forecasting services The existing tuna fishing ground forecasting system has several limitations for instance, the information are not reached to all fishers. Information dissemination servicers are not fully developed for efficient use of the information in fishing operations. Currently the information is disseminated by fax and for registered users by emails. In addition for these methods, effective radio communication between NARA and fishers may improve the reception of information.

Vessel monitoring system (VMS) is a cost-effective tool for the successful monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) of fisheries activities with real time information text messaging. Thus, the VMS can also play a significant effect on information dissemination.

5.1.1.7 Marketing Two markets, local and exports are in the value chain and intermediate suppliers play a considerable role in these markets. Hence, the revenue distributed among assemblers, commotion agents, wholesalers, retailers in the local market. In the export sector, the revenue distribution is between the fishers and export companies and 50% of the catches via intermediates. Buying price is fixed by few export companies available in Sri Lanka. With the monopoly of the few export companies, fishers do not have any base to negotiate for increased rates. If the producer has been link with the marketing information, they will have a base for negotiation to get satisfactory buying rates.

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The government has setup a public cooperation, the Ceylon Fisheries Cooperation (CFC) to interference the fish market to the best advantage of both the producer and consumer. The government policy of Sri Lanka is not to control the activities of private traders but to encourage more persons and organizations to enter the trade and thereby to enlarge the field of competition. The CFC has never handled more than one percent of the total production. Foreign fishing vessels are regulated to sell Grade III quality fish of export varieties and all non- export varieties to CFC. CFC sells this fish at their regional stalls scattered in the country.

5.1.1.8 Post-harvest Most of the tuna long liners are process their catch onboard manly gills and gutting and cleaned with sea water before icing. However, cleaning fish at landing sites is critical for fish contamination with virus and other harmful materials from the water source. Fresh water contains very less harmful bacteria and viruses compared to the harbor water that badly affects for the fish quality. Icing is the most common method of fish storage and refrigerators and chill bath is negligible and all fleets are cleaned by using cleaning materials after every fishing trip.

Remain the post-harvest losses in the fishing industry that can propose new techniques for fish landing and handling will be introduced. In addition to better fish handling techniques storage facilities and transport facilities will be introduced among fish handlers. The post-harvest losses and the quality of products will be improved by strengthening HACCP, ISO and GMP.

5.2 Recommendations

Development of fisheries sector is a challenging task as it deals with the changing attitudes of fishing community. However, it is an essential to overcome the situation to compete with the developed fishing nations. Therefore, the recommendations furnished here are compulsory to achieve with some policy decisions.

Awareness creation on information and technology is recommended onsite as well as via several electronic and paper Medias. As our target is the offshore/high seas fishery sector, establishment of a shot-wave radio station may be a better media that can transmit longer distance. So that the SSB radio onboard fishing fleets will be able to use for effective awareness with some entertaining programs. This media also can be used to broadcast weather information and distress information etc. In parallel to that awareness all the information may be included in web (DFAR or ...) and make aware on how to access the information. "Nanasala" may be useful for this online information service.

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Fleet development program is recommended to be initiated to use new technologies for safety navigation, fish finding, fishing operations and onboard fish processing and storage. Updated global marketing information such as fish prices is very useful for fishers to sell their harvest to maximum and to protect them from intermediates. Information shared across the value chain will be an advantage for reducing the risk of volatile fish prices that depend on the export demand. Network coverage for mobile phones is available within 25-30 miles from the coast. Therefore, fishers can communicate with buyers through voice calls or SMS messaging or by accessing wireless application protocol (WAP) services that provide web information to mobile phones. Through this service, catch can be sold with catch details before landing. ICTs solution is recommended for marketing information service. Establishment of a Certificate course for offshore/high seas fishing to develop professional skills of fishers is recommended. The course may consist of all theareas covering navigation, safety onboard, fishing gears, fish finding, fishing operations and onboard fish processing, post-harvest storage techniques and ICTs. Finally, there will be a policy decision that certificate course is compulsory to issue a license for Skippers who can drive fishing fleets and conduct fishing operations in offshore/high seas.

Future studies

It is proposed for future studies, quantitative analysis of the impact of information gaps for economic efficacy of off show/high seas fishery sector.

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References

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (2013). National Plan for the Safety of Fishers and Fishing Vessels at Sea Sri Lanka. Colombo 10: Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Food and Agriculture Organization . (2007). New Directions in Fisheries, A Series of policy briefs on Development Issues - Information and Communications Technologies Benefit Fishing Communities. United nations: Food and Agriculture Organization.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome. (2009). Abandoned, Lost or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper-523,Unep Regional Seas Reports and studies - 185. UN: FAO.

Indian Ocean Tuna Commission . (2010). Report of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission .Indian : Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.

Kariyawasam, A. L. (2010). Deep Sea Fishing in Sri Lanka . Colombo 15: Aquatc Resources Research and Development Agency.

L, A. (2010). Deep Sea Fishing Vessels of Sri Lanka. Colombo -15: Aquatc Resources Research and Development Agency.

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Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development. (2014). Fisheries Statistics- 2013. Colombo 10: Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development.

Planning, D. o. (2011). Mahinda Chintana Vision for the Future. Colombo 01: Department of National Planning Ministry of Finance and Planning.

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Siti Zobidah Omar, M. A. (2011). Information and Communication technology for Fisheries Industry Development in Malaysia. Malaysia: University Putra Malaysia.

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