Abstract:
Marine Ornamental Reef (MOR) Fishery largely relies on the coral reef ecosystem and highly
contributes to the global economy. Although MOR fishery in Trincomalee is being carried out
from the beginning of the industry in Sri Lanka, comprehensive studies on the internal and
external factors that affect the sector are scarce to date to a establish proper management system.
The present study analysed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the
MOR fishery in Trincomalee focusing fisher communities fishing in Sampur, Kuchchaweli and
Pulmodai reefs over two years period from February 2019. Data were collected from full-time
fishers (n=90) and other stakeholders of the value chain (n=36) through direct interviews, focus
group discussions and participant observations. The data on average income and cost were
gathered by monitoring the harvest of fishers at landing sites and using fishers’ logbooks,
respectively. The monthly average gain per fisher were 101278 LKR and 114524 LKR while
incurring 27172 LKR and 27367 LKR per month in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The strengths
to gain such an income were Pigeon Island National Park, plenty of reefs for fishing and high
biodiversity while lack of proper pricing mechanism, lack of training and knowledge, poor
management system and post-harvest mortalities due to poor storage facilities were the
weaknesses. In contrast, the fishers were having opportunities including global marine aquarium
trend, higher income level than food fisheries and sharing knowledge & experience with
researchers. Moreover, the risky nature of the occupation, coral reefs destruction through illegal
fishing methods, the low market price at fishers level, lack of financial supports from the
government, absence of legal background for registering fishers or operational license issuing
system, collection of very small & extra-large individuals and Covid 19 pandemic situation were
the threats to the MOR fishery. A proper management system and pricing mechanism of MOR
fishery should be implemented to overcome the weaknesses and threats, while enhancing
opportunities of the industry with the help of their strengths.
