Export market of lobsters in Sri Lanka, with special reference to slipper lobsters

Abstract

Lobster fishery in Sri Lanka is an ancient fishery with few available records and literature. But it is a non excludable sub sector in the fisheries industry, since it is a good source of foreign exchange. This study aims to investigate the present status o f the lobster export market and its potential for slipper lobster exportation in future. Lobster exporting companies in Gampaha district were selected randomly. Primary data were collected by administering a chart for each company, with the aim o f collecting information on the types o f lobsters exported, their prices, grades, buyers, quantities handled, and so on. Further, informal discussions were held with lobstermen, exporters and relevant government officers. The lobster market is an export oriented oligopoly market where 95% is being exported by only nine companies. Household consumption is negligible. The international market is highly competitive where there is an unattainable demand as well as many competitors from both eastern and western countries. Two categories o f lobsters are famous in the ~ export market viz - spiny lobsters and slipper lobsters. The arrival o f the slipper lobster in the lobster market is a recent notable change. Thenus orientalis and Parribacus antarcticus are the two main slipper lobster species exported from Sri Lanka. Normally, spiny lobsters fetch higher prices than slipper lobsters. Therefore, the spiny lobster stock is exported in live form rather than dead. The only value added form in the lobster market is lobster meat prepared from slipper lobsters. The Laspreyer’s price index revealed an increasing trend in prices o f slipper lobsters. It indicates that the slipper lobsters are generating an attractive market, both locally and internationally. Though the lobster market seems to be very lucrative, there are problems and threats which may hinder the progress. Shortage o f supply, lack o f infrastructure facilities, and habitat degradation are some o f them. Therefore, new rules and regulations should be imposed for the sustainability o f the lobster fishery as highlighted in this study.