Abstract:
The marine fisheries industry plays an important role in the social and
economic life of Sri Lanka. A sudden decline in the fish harvest in Chilaw was
noticed in the years 2020-2021. This study evaluated the relationship between
COVID-19 related changes such as lockdowns, mobility restrictions and
quarantine periods, and fish harvest and the monthly income of fishers. A
sample of 150 participants was selected randomly. Primary data were
collected using a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with the informed
consent of the participants following the safety guidelines and regulations.
Secondary data were collected from the official website of the Department of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Chilaw. Descriptive statistics, correlation,
and regression analysis were obtained using SPSS software. Fish harvest was
moderately, negatively related to the lockdown, while monthly income was
low negatively related to the lockdown, and mobility restrictions with
correlations of -0.412 and -0.293 respectively at p<0.01. COVID-19 impact
significantly predicts the fish harvest and the income with 10.329, 6.546
respectively at p<0.0005 and F (3,146). This indicates the regression model is
a good fit for the data. Findings revealed that a sudden decline in the demand
of 92% for fish was noticed due to the lockdown. In the 3rd COVID-19 wave,
fishers and sellers used to make dry fish as an adaptation strategy to minimize
wastage. 75% of the increase in dry fish production in the third wave of
COVID-19 was recorded whilst, 80% of fishers were able to distribute fish
considering it as an essential service.
