Abstract:
This study attempts to find out as to why there exist significant differences in
catches obtained by fishermen employing the gill net technique of fishing. The
methodology employed in this include the analysis of efficiency of gill net
technology of different fishing units. Return to scale and the degree of correlation
among fishing inputs by the use of a “Fishery production function” for gill net
fishermen in Mirissa (A fishing village in Southern Sri Lanka) were estimated.
Data were collected by administering a pre-tested structured questionnaire to a
stratified random sample of fishermen. Collected data were first tabulated and they
were subjected to tabular graphical and statistical analysis.
Results indicated an increase in the number of net pieces (length of the net) would
be most beneficial for fishermen. Almost constant return to scale were found for
gill netting in Mirissa. The most notable input correlations were that between mesh
size and horse power of the engine; mesh size and number of pieces of the net;
number of trips per month and mesh size; and experience of the skipper and age of
the skipper.
These results have significant policy implications for both development assistance
and fisheries regulation. Provision of an input “package” may be more effective in
increasing production than providing inputs individually.
