Abstract:
Inland fishery is a common pool which is potentially subject to resource
degradation if over-exploited. Therefore, a proper resource management is
essential for its sustainable resource use and development. Community
Based Organizations (CBO) in terms of participatory approach is formed
within the village communities to address the management problems.
Primary purpose of this research was to examine the successes and failures
of Ridiyagama CBO when managing inland fisheries in Ridiyagama
reservoir, Ambalantota. This study specifically investigated the fisher-folk
perceptions towards the fishery resource status in Ridiyagama reservoir
while examining the role of existing CBO for a sustainable fisheries
management in the reservoir. Following an interview based approach, a
convenience sample of 38 fishermen was selected and relevant information
were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed
using SPSS 13.0 software by performing descriptive analysis and non parametric statistics such as Wilcoxon signed rank test. According to the
perceptions of the fisher-folk, fishery resource in Ridiyagama reservoir is in
a declining stage. The CBO of Ridiyagama reservoir has been successful in
stocking fingerlings, record keeping and maintaining sound relationship with
the government in managing the inland fisheries. Nevertheless, it has failed
to address the prevailing key issues of illegal fishing and encroachment due
to improper implementation of Input and Output control mechanisms.
Therefore, taking actions to minimize the functional weaknesses of
Ridiyagama CBO is of paramount importance to uplift the sustainable
management of Ridiyagama inland fisheries.
