Livelihood Constraints off Fishers off Puttalam Lagoon in Sri Lanka: A Case Study

Abstract

Puttalam lagoon is one of the most economically important lagoons in the country. Fishing is the major economic activity of the people around the lagoon. Lagoon fishery has a number of constraints which are directly associated with the stability of its dependent's livelihood. This study was aimed to explore the livelihood related constraints encountered by the lagoon fishers in Puttalam lagoon. A pre tested semi structured questionnaire survey was conducted among the randomly drawn sample of 165 lagoon fishers covering 08 fisheries inspector divisions of the lagoon area. Majority of fishers had attained the secondary education. Greater portion of fishermen were below 40 years and had over 15 years fishing experience. The average monthly income of lagoon fisherman was found be Rs. 37, 083. High cost of making fishing gears, use of harmful fishing gears, inaccessibility of formal credit sources and reduction in fish catch were the main constraints. Inaccessibility to formal credit sources increased the indebtedness and bound labor situation. Study found that outboard motor, fibre reinforced plastic boats owners had statistically significantly higher indebtedness (p=0.02, t test). The underline causes of constraints of lagoon fishers were combined with ill managed lagoon fishery and lack of government intervention.