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Fisheries development and management plan of
Puttalam lagoon
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Maligawatte, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
May 2013
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REGIONAL FISHERIES LIVELIHOODS PROGRAMME
FOR SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA (RFLP)
---------------------------------------------------------
Fisheries development and management plan of Puttalam lagoon
(Activity 1.5.2 Prepare Fisheries Development and Management Plan through a
Stakeholder Task Force)
For the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia
Prepared by
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Maligawatte, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
May 2013
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This publication has been made with the financial support of the Spanish Agency of International
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Fisheries Livelihoods Programme (RFLP) for South and Southeast Asia - GCP/RAS/237/SPA.
The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinion of AECID, FAO, RFLP,
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Bibliographic reference
For bibliographic purposes, please reference this publication as:
DFAR (2013c). Fisheries development and management plan of Puttalam lagoon, Regional
Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (GCP/RAS/237/SPA): Field
Project Document 2013/LKA/CM/2.
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Preface Under Section 31 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996, the declaration of
Puttalam lagoon as a Fishery Management Area by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources was published in the Gazette Extraordinary, No. 1665/17 of the Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka, dated 04th
August 2010.
Puttalam lagoon is considered one of the most productive ‘basin estuaries’ in Sri Lanka.
Scattered among the 88 fishing villages around the lagoon are about 165,000 people directly or
indirectly dependent on Puttalam lagoon fisheries, including nearly 6,000 fishing directly in the
lagoon.
The terrestrial and wetland ecosystems in and around the lagoon comprise mangroves, tropical
dry mixed evergreen and thorn forests, salt marshes, rivers, sea grass beds and coral reefs. These
habitats are extremely productive and contribute to the sustenance of lagoon and near-shore
fisheries, functioning as nurseries and habitats for many commercially important species of fish
and crustaceans. They form a complex ecosystem, contributing to the increased biodiversity
associated with the lagoon.
Habitat destruction is by far the biggest threat affecting the Puttalam lagoon and its environ.
Vast areas of mangroves and salt marsh habitats continue to be cleared for haphazard
development activities such as salterns, shrimp farms, coconut cultivation, tourism development
and temporary settlements. It is predicted that continued hyper-salinity of the lagoon will cause
considerable changes in the fish communities of the lagoon; ultimately affecting livelihoods.
Recent amendments to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 provide for the
integration of fisheries management with environmental conservation. As required by the Act,
the Fisheries Development and Management Plan for the Puttalam lagoon has been developed to
conserve the lagoon environment and to support sustainable development of fisheries in the
lagoon.
The Fisheries Development and Management Plan for Puttalam lagoon presented here has been
developed by a multi-agency Task Force appointed by the Interim Fisheries Management
Coordinating Committee of Puttalam lagoon, under the guidance of the Department of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources and with technical and financial support from the Regional Fisheries
Livelihoods Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which
is funded by Spain.
Nimal Hettiarachchi
Director General
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
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1: Fisheries in Puttalam lagoon
1.1 Description of the Fishery Management Area
Under Section 31 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996, Puttalam lagoon
was declared as a Fishery Management Area by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
and published in the Gazette Extraordinary, No. 1665/17 of the Democratic Socialist Republic of
Sri Lanka, dated 04th
August 2010.
Located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, Puttalam lagoon extends over 32,750 ha
and is connected to three river basins - Kala Oya, Mi Oya and the very small Moongil Ara. Kala
Oya provides the largest freshwater volume and is located at the mouth of the lagoon. The
catchments of these three river basins are as follows: Kala Oya 2,772 km2, Mi Oya 1,516 km
2
and Moongil Ara 44 km2
(IUCN, 2010). The average discharges of the Kala Oya and Mi Oya
are estimated to be about 2.2 m3/second and 8.1 m
3/second respectively (Dayaratne, et al, 1997).
The lagoon opens to the sea at the northern end, while the southern end is connected to the Dutch
canal. This canal is, in turn, connected to the northern end of Mundel Lake. During the dry
season, the Dutch canal carries brackish water from the lagoon towards Mundel Lake; in the wet
season, this flow is reversed with water from Mundel Lake carried towards the lagoon. The
northern margin of the lagoon is a straight line extending from Uchchamunai on the seaside to
Gangewadiya on the landside (Figure 1).
The lagoon system is very shallow, with depths of no more than 1-2 m, except in the deep
channels within the lagoon, where depths of 4-5 m have been recorded (Dayaratne, et al, 1997).
In the north the water is of normal oceanic salinity, but is hyper-saline in the south as a result of
high evaporation.
A semi-diurnal tidal pattern occurs in the lagoon. The average tidal range is about 25 cm while
the maximum tidal range recorded is 79 cm. Although the lagoon is connected to the Indian
Ocean through the Dutch Bay at the northern end, its tidal pattern does not match the rhythm of
the open ocean. Monsoon winds play a significant role in tidal movement in this shallow lagoon
and the tidal range is highest during the northeast monsoon and lowest during the southwest
monsoon (IUCN, 2010). Surface water salinities vary between 0.00 ppt (at the Kala Oya Lagoon)
and 55.0 ppt (Arulananthan, et al, 1995).
The lagoon is located in the dry zone of the island, which receives a sharply seasonal average
annual rainfall of between 1,000-1,100 mm, derived mainly from the northeast monsoon.
Because of this, the area experiences a prolonged dry season of 4-7 months from March to
September (IUCN, 2012).
1. 2 Fish resources and productivity
The aquatic habitats of Puttalam lagoon area are occupied by marine and brackish water species
of fish and shellfish which are important resources for the people living in the area, as the main
livelihood in the area is fishing.
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Jayasuriya (1985) identified about 50 species of finfish and shellfish from Puttalam lagoon but
considered only about 10 to be of economic importance. The Central Environment Authority
(CEA, 1994) listed 54 fish species belonging to 28 families within the lagoon. A survey carried
out in 2003 recorded 59 species belonging to 32 families inhabiting Puttalam lagoon
(ADB/IUCN). Weragodatenna (2010) reported a total of 69 species from Puttalam lagoon,
belonging to 27 families. Thus, a total of 54 to 69 species of fish belonging to 28 to 32 families
have been recorded from Puttalam lagoon.
Among them are seven species of freshwater fish that can tolerate brackish water conditions.
Hence, they are found both in freshwater habitats and brackish water habitats. The Indonesian
short fin eel (Anguilla bicolor) is a species that normally inhabits fresh water habitats but spawns
at sea. This eel is found in fresh water bodies in Kala Oya and Mi Oya and enters the lagoon
when migrating to the sea to breed. The Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is
distributed widely in the wetland habitats of Puttalam lagoon area. This is a freshwater species
which was introduced to inland freshwater water bodies from southern Africa. It is listed as an
invasive species in Sri Lanka (Bambaradeniya, 2001).
The commonly harvested finfish species are the shad (Nematolosa nasus), grey mullet (Mugil
cephalus), milk fish (Chanos chanos), sardines (Sardinellla spp.) and pony fish (Leiognathus
spp.). The most commercially valued lagoon fish are the seabass (Lates calcarifer) and pearlspot
(Etroplus suratensis). In addition, Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides), bonefish (Albula
vulpes), half beaks (Hemirhamphide spp.), gar fish (Belonidae), silversides (Athrerina spp.),
catfish (Siluridae) are found in the lagoon. Shellfish include shrimps, crabs, gastropods and
bivalves species. Six species of crustaceans are commercially valuable: giant tiger prawn
(Penaeus monodon), Indian prawn (Penaeus indicus), green tiger prawn (Penaeus semisulcatus),
witch prawn (Penaeus canaliculatus), speckled shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros) and the Kadal
shrimp (Metapenaeus dobsoni). Mangrove mud crabs (Scylla serrata) and blue swimming crabs
(Portunus pelagicus) are also recorded in catches.
In addition to finfish, several invertebrates and sea horses are also collected for the profitable
export oriented trade for ornamental and medical purposes. Sea horses caught from sea grass
meadows are either sold live for the aquarium trade or exported in dried form. The potential to
collect large quantities of milkfish (Chanos chanos) fry and fingerlings from the middle part of
the lagoon (from Kalpitiya southwards to Kalmunei) for brackish water aquaculture has also
been reported.
1.3 Fishers involved in Puttalam lagoon fisheries
For the purposes of fisheries administration, Puttalam district is divided into eight Fisheries
Inspector (FI) divisions: Vanatavillu, Puttalam, Mangalaeliya, Baththuluoya, Palakuda,
Kandakuliya, Kalpitiya mainland and Kalpitiya Island (Figure 2).
The Kalpitiya Islands FI division includes islands located north of the lagoon boundary. As
fishers from these islands move into the lagoon for fishing activities they are also included in the
plan. The total number of fishers operating in Puttalam lagoon increased from around 2,000 in
1985 (Jayasuriya, 1985) to 5,926 in 2011.
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According to data obtained from the district fisheries office, Puttalam, the distribution of lagoon
fishers by FI division in 2011 is given in Table 1. Of the 5,926 fishers, 93% were fishing full
time in the lagoon, while 07% were part time fishers. During the southwest monsoon period of
May to September, some of the coastal fishers migrate to the lagoon as sea fishing is difficult
during the rough southwest monsoon season.
Table 1: Number of fishers involved in Puttalam lagoon fisheries during 2011
FI division
No of fishermen
Full time Part
time
Total
Vanatavilluwa 1,505 90 1,595
Puttalam 736 31 767
Bathuluoya 90 10 100
Palakuda 1,554 190 1,744
Kandakuliya 661 57 718
Kalpitiya land 750 23 773
Kalpitiya Island 205 24 229
Total 5,501 425 5,926
(Source: District Fisheries Office, Puttalam)
1.4 Fishing fleet
The fishing fleet operating in Puttalam lagoon consists of non-motorized traditional craft (MTRB
boats, log rafts, outrigger canoes, etc.), motorized traditional crafts (MTRB boats, log rafts,
outrigger canoes, etc., powered by outboard motor engines) and fibre reinforced plastic boats
(OFRP) powered by outboard motor engines. Dayaratne et al (1997) estimated the number of
fishing boats operating in Puttalam lagoon in 1995 after the influx of refugees from Mannar due
to the civil unrest as 1,600. The figure for 2003 was estimated as 1,776 (ADB/IUCN, 2003).
IUCN (2012) has reported a total of 2,145 boats operating in Puttalam lagoon during 2011. The
distribution of these boats by FI division is given in Table 2.
The rapid fisheries frame survey of the coastal and lagoon fisheries in Puttalam district, funded
by the RFLP and conducted by the district fisheries office in mid-2011 indicated a total of 1,898
boats engaged in Puttalam lagoon fisheries (Table 3). While some boats were engaged in year
round fishing in the lagoon, others were reported to fish in the lagoon only on a seasonal basis.
These boats fish in the coastal sea during the calm season and shift to lagoon fishing mainly
during the southwest monsoon period.
Table 2: Distribution of Puttalam lagoon fishing fleet by FI division
FI division OFRP boats MTRB boats NTRB boats Total
Vanatavilluwa 230 24 196 450
Puttalam 18 104 125 247
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FI division OFRP boats MTRB boats NTRB boats Total
Bathuluoya 00 00 40 40
Palakuda 190 00 350 540
Kandakuliya 20 00 201 221
Kalpitiya land 250 32 265 547
Kalpitiya Island 70 03 27 100
Total 778 163 1,204 2,145 (Source: District Fisheries Office, Puttalam)
Table 3 Distribution of Puttalam lagoon fishing fleet by area of operation
Boat type Lagoon only Coastal & Lagoon Total
OFRP boats 88 736 824
MTRB boats 80 10 90
NTRB boats 815 169 984
Total 983 915 1,898
Overall, approximately 51% of the fishing fleet operate full time in the lagoon while 49% of the
fleet operate on a seasonal basis. In terms of boat type, only 11% of the OFRP boats operate full
time in the lagoon, whereas over 88% of the MTRB boats and 82% of the NRTB boats operate
full time in the lagoon.
1.5 Fishing gear and methods
A variety of fishing gears and methods are used in Puttalam lagoon. Jayasuriya (1985) listed 10
main types of fishing gear and methods used in Puttalam lagoon. These included gill nets,
trammel nets, cast nets, crab traps, bottom longlines, surrounding net (wachchal dela), drag bet
(kadippu dela) and handlines.
Fishing gear presently used in the lagoon are listed in Table 4. Gill nets, trammel nets and
bottom-set gill nets are the most commonly used gears to catch both finfish and shellfish. The
predominant craft/gear combination is gill nets operated from fibre reinforced plastic (OFRP)
boats powered by OBM engines.
Table 4: Fishing gear and methods used in Puttalam lagoon
Gear Target species Fishing season
1 Trammel net
A three layered gill net.
Mesh size varies depending
on target catch (fish or
shrimp)
Shrimp (also catches non-
target species) or fish.
All year round.
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Gear Target species Fishing season
2 Trammel net (Yaka dela)
The middle panel of the net
is single ply
Mixed catch. All year round / Illegal as it
catches fry and fingerlings
3 Trammel net (monofilament)
This net is constructed using
monofilament.
Mostly shrimp. Other
smaller species and
juveniles are also caught.
All year round.
4 Gill nets
Small-meshed gill nets of
30-50 mm mesh.
Mixed species. All year
(About 600 fishers use this
gear).
5 Gill net for sardine (Sooda
dela)
37-44 mm meshed gill net
White sardine (Soodaya) This is a seasonal fishery
from Dec – April.
6 Gillnet for halfbeaks (Murali
dela)
87-100 mm mesh gill nets
Halfbeaks
(called Muralla in Sinhala,
hence the name of the net)
Only during peak monsoonal
months.
7 Gill net (Tsunami dela)
Gill net with the upper part
of large meshed netting and
the lower part of smaller
mesh netting
Pelagic and demersal fish.
8 Bottom set gill nets Demersal fish.
9 Encircling gillnets Small pelagic fish.
10 Cast nets (Visi dela)
Demersal fish and shrimp.
11 Crab traps (kakulu thatti)
Crabs. Only during the south west
monsoon, but during this
time, about 80% of the
fishers use this gear. Used
only at night.
12 Bottom set nets for crab
(75-100 mm mesh)
Crabs. All year.
13 Fyke net
(Kudu dela)
Fish and shrimp. Considered harmful as it
catches juvenile fish.
14 Bottom long lines Scads and Liza spp. Seasonal/small scale near the
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Gear Target species Fishing season
mouth of the lagoon.
15 Push nets Used in shallow waters for
aquarium fish.
Illegal but used all year
(small scale).
16 Sangili del (chain nets)
This is a trawl net.
Used in Kalpitiya area for
shrimp.
Considered a harmful fishing
method.
17 Drag net
(Kadippu dela)
Fish and shellfish. A harmful fishing method;
used throughout the year.
18 Monofilament nets (Tangus
nets )
Fish. Illegal but used all year
round.
19 Brush piles Shrimp and fish.
20 Fish kraals Shrimp and fish. Very scarce in the lagoon,
with only 4 fishers currently
practising this.
Some fishing gears and methods such as push nets and monofilament nets banned from Sri
Lankan waters are reported to be used in Puttalam lagoon, due to inadequate enforcement of
regulations and/or lack of awareness.
According to the rapid fisheries frame survey conducted in mid-2011, small-mesh and large-
mesh gill net fisheries conducted for various types of pelagic resources, trammel net fishing for
shrimp and finfish, bottom longline and bottom-set gill net fishing for demersal resources are the
main fisheries conducted by the different types of fishing boats in Puttalam lagoon. Gill net
fishing for sardines, Indian mackerel, halfbeaks, etc., are conducted close to the estuary mouth.
The number of boats engaged in each fishery on a full time and seasonal basis in Puttalam
lagoon is given in Table 5.
Table 5: Major fisheries conducted by fishing boats in Puttalam lagoon
Fishery
No. OFRP boats No. MTRB boats No. NTRB boats
Full
time Seasonal
Full
time Seasonal
Full
time Seasonal
Small-mesh gill net
fisheries 34 284 16
02 310 64
Large-mesh gill net
fisheries 07 60 -
- 20 04
Trammel net fisheries 41 341 63 08 360 75
Bottom-set gill net
fisheries 06 49 01 - 125 26
Bottom longline - 02 - - - -
TOTAL 88 736 80 10 815 169
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1.6 Fish production
Jayasuriya (1985) estimated the total fish production from Puttalam lagoon in 1982 at 1,613 MT
made up of 44% finfish and 56% shellfish (28% shrimp and 28% crabs). In more recent years,
fish production from Puttalam lagoon has increased from 4,800 MT in 1991 (Alwis and
Dayaratne, 1992) to 6,829 MT in 2009. Finfish comprised nearly 75% of the production while
the balance was made up of shellfish. Available data on Puttalam lagoon fish production in
recent years by FI division is given in Table 6.
Table 6: Fish production from Puttalam lagoon by FI division
Fisheries Inspector
division
Fish Production (MT)
2008 2009
Vanatavillu 800.0 1,225.0
Puttalam 715.0 733.0
Baththuluoya 8.5 9.0
Palakuda 1,300.0 1,442.0
Kandakuliya 696.0 736.0
Kalpitiya mainland 1,100.0 1,450.0
Kalpitiya island 900.0 1,234.0
Total 5,519.5 6,829.0 (Source: District Fisheries Office, Puttalam)
The mean annual fish production per boat estimated during the rapid fisheries frame survey for
different fisheries conducted by different boat types in Puttalam lagoon is given in Table 7.
Table 7: Mean annual fish production from Puttalam lagoon by type of boat and fishery
Fishery OFRP boats MTRB boats NTRB boats
Small-mesh gill net fisheries 8,496 2,748 3,496
Large- mesh gill net fisheries 9,540 - -
Trammel net fisheries 2,292 1,728 1,668
Bottom-set gill net fisheries 1,956 - 2,736
The estimated annual production from the Puttalam lagoon fishing fleet is given in Table 8. For
boats that fish only seasonally in the lagoon, only 50% of the total annual production has been
considered.
The total production from the Puttalam lagoon fishing fleet in 2011 was estimated at 4,790 MT.
Although reliable fish production estimates from other fisheries conducted without using fishing
crafts (cast net fishing, brush pile fishing, push nets, crab traps and fish kraals) are not available,
there has been a decline in fish production from Puttalam lagoon in recent years.
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Table 8: Estimated annual fish production from Puttalam lagoon fishing fleet in 2011
Fishery OFRP boats MTRB
boats
NTRB boats Total
Small-mesh gill net fisheries 1,495,296 46,716 1,195,632 2,737,644
Large- mesh gill net fisheries 352,980 - - 352,980
Trammel net fisheries 483,612 115,776 663,030 1,262,418
Bottom-set gill net fisheries 59,658 - 377,568 437,226
Total 2,391,546 162,492 2,236,230 4,790,268
1.7 Shrimp aquaculture
Commercial shrimp farming in the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Puttalam
lagoon area took off in the 1980s, with another developmental spurt in the 1990s. By 2006, there
were about 1,434 shrimp farms, with a total area of 4,539 ha, with more than 90% located around
the Puttalam lagoon (IUCN, 2012). By 2009, Weragodatenna (2010) reported that out of a total
extent of 1,817 ha under shrimp farms, 1,167 ha (64%) were unproductive, abandoned farms,
The majority of the existing the shrimp farms in Puttalam Lagoon area are small-scale, 60% of
which are less than 0.8 ha.
The shrimp that is cultured is Penaeus monodon, which are reared in earthen ponds. Shrimp
farming in Sri Lanka has been affected by repeated disease outbreaks, uncontrolled expansion
exceeding carrying capacity and deterioration of water quality (Siriwardene, 2001).
2. Status of the fishery
2.1 Assessments of relevant fish stocks
The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for Puttalam lagoon fishery has been estimated at 5,536
MT while the maximum economic yield (MEY) has been calculated as 4,945 MT with a value
equivalent to LKR 133 million (Dayaratne, et al, 1995).
The estimated fish production from Puttalam lagoon during 2009 and 2010 was 1.2 times and 1.5
times the MSY, respectively. However, the estimated 2011 production indicates a decline in
production and a shift towards the MSY.
2.2 Assessment of socio-economic status of fishery participants
IUCN (2012) reported that fishing was the sole income source of 67.4%, the main income of
21.4% and the secondary income of 9.5% of lagoon fishers. There was no data/information
available on the level of earnings of lagoon fishers. However, Table 9 below, extracted from
IUCN (2012) provides a guide to the poverty of people living around Puttalam lagoon. Since
15
fishing is a major economic activity of the people living around the lagoon, these poverty
indicators are indicative of the economic status of lagoon fishers and their households.
The official poverty line for the Puttalam district in August 2011 was Rs. 3,267 (minimum
expenditure per person per month to fulfil basic needs). The Poverty Head Count Index is the
proportion of poor population to the total population as a percentage. On an average, five family
members share a household and this translates to about 32% of the people around Puttalam
lagoon living below the poverty line. Samurdhi is the main poverty alleviation programme of the
Government in Sri Lanka and close to 24% of the families living around Puttalam lagoon receive
assistance under the Samurdhi programme.
Table 9: Poverty indicators for Puttalam lagoon area
Divisional Secretariat
Division
No. of
families
Head Count
Index
Household
population below
poverty line
No. of Samurdhi
recipient
families
Kalpitiya 13,201 45.34 36,197 5,524
Puttalam 17,965 25.08 16,864 4,398
Vanatavilluwa 4,772 40.31 6,373 2,074
Mundel 15, 397 41.08 22,503 7,510
Total 51,335 81,937 19,506
3 Ecological and environmental status of the lagoon
3.1 Ecological importance of Puttalam lagoon
Mangroves are associated with other habitat types such as sea grasses, salt marshes and sea shore
vegetation. These habitats are extremely productive and contribute to the sustenance of lagoon
and near-shore fisheries, functioning as nurseries and habitats for many commercially important
species of fish and crustaceans. They form a complex ecosystem, contributing to the increased
biodiversity associated with the lagoon.
3.1.1 Mangrove
Mangrove is the most extensively distributed habitat in the Puttalam lagoon area. In the early
1980s the mangroves of the Puttalam lagoon were estimated to cover nearly 1,200 ha of inter-
tidal land (Kanakaratne et al, 1983). The largest mangrove tracts in Sri Lanka are recorded from
this area. The most extensive and undisturbed tracts of mangroves are found in the Kala Oya
area. Undisturbed patches of mangroves are also found in Kuringipitti, Pubudugama,
Gangewadiya, Thirikkapallama, Ethale and most of islands such as Ippantivu, Sinna Arichchalai,
Periya Arichchalai and Irrimathivu.
The economic value of the fish breeding function of the mangrove forest in Sri Lanka was
estimated at US$ 218 per hectare per year, while the total economic value was estimated at US
16
$1,229 per hectare per year (Batagoda, 2003). On this basis the fishery value of 1,392.7 ha of
Puttalam mangrove was estimated at US$ 303,609 per annum, while the total economic value of
mangrove would be USD 17,116,283 per annum.
3.1.2 Sea grass beds
Sea grass meadows are widely distributed in the shallow areas of Puttalam lagoon and constitute
approximately 24% of total lagoon area. Eight species of sea grasses have been identified in the
from Puttalam lagoon. The dominant species are Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis,
Enhalus acoroides, and Halophila spp, (Jayasuriya, 1991). The sea grass meadows in Mannar
bay, Portugal bay and Dutch bay have been reported to provide habitats for dugong (Dugong
dugon).
3.1.3 Seaweeds
The seaweeds or kelps occurring in Puttalam lagoon have been commercially exploited for
centuries. Four species of red algae - Gracilaria edulis, Laurencia spp., Geldim spp. and Hypnea
musciformis – have been recorded from the area. Two species of green algae (Ulva spp. and
Enteromorpha spp.) and two species of brown algae (Sargassum spp. and Padina spp.) have also
been recorded.
Gracilaria edulis is the most abundant seaweed species in Puttalam lagoon. Major beds of
Gracilaria edulis are found near Kalpitiya, Serakkuli, Ettalai and Anjithivu islands. Sea weeds
are harvested during the southwest monsoon months of May to October. Since the early 19th
century, fishers have collected seaweed and an estimated 50-60 tons of dried seaweed had been
exported annually from the Puttalam lagoon (Durairatnam and Medcof, 1954). Gracilaria edulis
collected from Puttalam Lagoon is dried and sold to traders in Colombo. Harvesting of seaweeds
is sporadic and takes place at a subsistence level. However, it provides a supplementary income
to the fishing community.
It is also popular locally, particularly during the Islamic annual fasting period, when it is made
into a nutritious porridge.
3.1.4 Salt marshes
Salt marshes dominated by inter-tidal low growing herbs and shrubs are located along the
landward margins of mangrove. The extent of salt marshes in the area has been estimated at
1,515 ha, based on aerial photographs (Kanakaratne et al, 1983).
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3.2 Environmental issues
Habitat destruction is by far the biggest threat affecting the Puttalam lagoon and its environ.
Vast areas of mangroves and salt marsh habitats continue to be cleared for haphazard
development activities such as salterns, shrimp farms, coconut cultivation, tourism development
and temporary settlements. Although the rapid expansion of shrimp farms has now decreased,
the expansion of salterns has increased. Heavy clearance of mangroves for salterns has been
observed in Anakutti, Kalliyadi, Seguvanthivu and Serrakkuli.
One consequence of this clearance, already evident, is a great reduction in the amount of
freshwater discharged to the lagoon. In Mi Oya, the discharge has nearly halved from 25 m³/sec
in 1962 to 14 m³/sec in 1997 (IUCN, 2012).
The average annual salinity level of the Puttalam lagoon has increased by 25 % (from 36.4 ppt to
46 ppt) within the last thirty years (Arulananthan, 1992). The southern part of Puttalam lagoon is
hyper-saline and it is predicted that this hyper-salinity will spread; causing considerable changes
in the fish communities of the lagoon; ultimately affecting livelihoods. One of the reasons for
this is the reduction of inflow of freshwater as a consequence of mangrove destruction.
3.2.1 Destruction of mangrove and sea grass beds
Most mangrove plants of the area are used as firewood. About 55% of the households around
the lagoon are reported to use mangrove plants as firewood (Dayaratne et al, 1995). Cynometra
iripa and Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea are the species most threatened. Since the mid-1980s, the
consumption of fuel wood has increased with internal migration of refugees to the area.
Sonneratia alba and Thespesia populnea are used as fodder for goats in the western part of the
lagoon. In a few islands, the mangrove bark of Rhizophora mucronata and a few other species is
collected for tannin extraction, to be used for preservation and colouring of nets and other fishing
equipment. The twigs and branches of Avicennia marina are used for brush pile construction in
few areas in the lagoon.
In the last few decades, mangroves have been affected severely as a consequence of the rapid
expansion of the shrimp farm industry. Their distribution has been reduced by over 60%, from
1,181.5 ha in 1981 to 431.57 ha in 1992 (IUCN, 2012). Currently, the threat is from the
expansion of salterns. shrimp farms and salterns have affected mangroves in Seguvanthivu,
Thirikkapallama, Palavi, Mampuriya and Anawasala.
Citing data from the Census and Statistics Division, Puttalam, IUCN (1012) reported that out of
a total of 2,310 ha of mangrove in Puttalam, Vanathavilluva and Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat
divisions in 1981, only 1,692 ha remained in 2009, indicating a loss of 618 ha of mangrove
(28%) between 1981 and 2009.
In addition, the discharge of effluents containing nutrients, organic sediments, antibiotics and
hormones has polluted the water in the area. It has been noted that that Avicennia marina in the
Kuringipitti area and some areas of the Kalpitiya peninsula are extremely stunted.
18
Mangroves are also threatened due to clearing for expansion of tourism industry in Kalpitiya
peninsula and most of the islands. Mangroves are also subjected to the heavy grazing by cattle
and goats, especially during the dry season.
3.2.4 Destruction of salt marshes
Expansion of salterns and shrimp farms, as well as encroachment for human settlement is a
serious threat to the salt marsh habitat. In particular, salt marshes of the Mi Oya area have been
subjected to destruction as a result of shrimp farm expansion. Nearly 50% of the estimated
1,515, ha of salt marshes is reported to have been destroyed between 1981 and 1992 (Dayaratne
et al, 1995).
4. Co-management and legal provisions
4.1 Co-management
Co-management is a process that brings together relevant levels of government and the users in
pursuing a common set of goals to improve resources conditions and socio-economic conditions
of the community. Co-management in fisheries allows fishers to fully participate in a shared
decision making process with fisheries agencies for the sustainable management of fisheries
resources. It focuses on establishing and empowering local level institutions with minor support
from the government throughout the establishment and empowering process. In addition to
focusing on establishing and empowering local level institutions, it involves the process of
establishing partnership arrangements between government and the local community and resource
users.
Co-management allows the community to develop a management strategy with a high probability
of meeting local needs and conditions and is more legitimate in their eyes because the community
members understand their problems, needs and opportunities better than outsiders do.
In integrating environment conservation into fisheries management, there is a need to bring in
other stakeholder agencies mandated with natural resources management and environment
conservation into the co-management process and partnerships.
4.2 Existing legislation affecting Puttalam lagoon fisheries
A summary of information on the institutions legally responsible for managing the fishery, legal
obligations that needs to be met, institutional arrangements and regulations and fisheries laws
affecting the fishery in Puttalam lagoon is presented below.
Under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996, including all the amendments
made subsequently, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has the overall mandate
for the management, regulation, conservation and development of fisheries and aquatic resources
in Sri Lanka. The following regulations, made under the provisions of the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 provide for registration of fishing boats and fishers, licensing of
19
fishing operations and establishment of Fisheries Committees and other institutional
arrangements for collaborative management of fisheries.
The Registration of Fishing Boats Regulations of 1980 promulgated under the
Fisheries Ordinance and amended in 1997 and 2006 under the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Act No. 2 of 1996 requires that every person operating or using a fishing boat
in Sri Lankan waters should obtain a certificate of registration in respect of his/her boat
from the Director General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or an
authorized officer.
The Fishing Operations Regulations, 1996 published in the Government Gazette
Extraordinary No. 948/25 dated 07th
November 1996 and amended in April 2005 require
that every person conducting fishing operations in the sea, estuaries or coastal lagoons of
Sri Lanka obtains a Fishing Operations License from the Director General, Department of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or an authorized officer.
The Fisheries Committee Regulations, 1997 published in the Government Gazette
Extraordinary of 25th
April 1997 provided for the establishment of Fisheries Committees
in a fisheries management area. The following 12 Fisheries Committees have been
established for Puttalam lagoon and published in the Government Gazette Extraordinary
No. 1772/29 dated 22nd
August 2013.
Name of the Fisheries Committee Registration No.
No. 1 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.01
No. 2 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.02
No. 3 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.03
No. 4 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.04
No. 5 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.05
No. 6 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.06
No. 7 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.07
No. 8 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.08
No. 9 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.09
No. 10 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.010
No. 11 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.011
No. 12 Puttalam Lagoon Fisheries Management Committee DFAR/F.Com/P.L.012
The Fisheries (Register) Regulations, 1997 published in the Government Gazette
Extraordinary of 25th
April 1997 require that every fisher (resident or migrant), conducting
fishing operations in a fisheries management area shall get him/herself included in the
Register of Fishers maintained and regularly updated by the fisheries officials of the area.
4.3 Legal and institutional provisions for co-management in Negombo lagoon fisheries
The existing legal and institutional arrangements related to fisheries are not adequate to support
ecosystem based fisheries co-management. The Fisheries Committees lack legal powers and
20
other stakeholders are also excluded from the management process. To overcome these
limitations, the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme has assisted in amending the
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 to bring in more stakeholders and women
participation into the co-management process.
The Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee of Puttalam lagoon has been
established under Section 31A (1) of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment)
Act, No.… of 2013, published in the Government Gazette of --------. The Fisheries
Management Coordinating Committee of Puttalam lagoon consists of ex-officio members
and/or nominees of the following stakeholder agencies.
1 Assistant Director District Fisheries Office, Puttalam
2 District Fisheries Office, Puttalam
3 District Fisheries Office, Puttalam
4 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 1
5 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 2
6 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 3
7 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 4
8 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 5
9 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 6
10 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 7
11 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 8
12 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 9
13 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 10
14 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 11
15 Nominated member Fisheries Committee No. 12
16 District Secretary Puttalam
17 Divisional Secretary Vanathavilluwa
18 Divisional Secretary Puttalam
19 Divisional Secretary Kalpitiya
20 Divisional Secretary Mundalama
21 Chairman Pradeshiya Sabha, Kalpitiya
22 Chairman Pradeshiya Sabha, Vanathavilluwa
23 Chairman Pradeshiya Sabha, Puttalam
24 Mayor Puttalam Municipal Council
25 Director of Fisheries Northwest Provincial Council
26 Nominated member Coast Conservation & Coastal Resources Management
Department
27 Nominated member National Aquatic Resources Research and Development
Agency
28 Nominated member National Aquaculture Development Authority
29 Nominated member Central Environment Authority
30 Nominated member Department of Wildlife Conservation
31 Nominated member Forest Department
32 Nominated member Marine Environment Protection Authority
21
33 Nominated member Northwest Province Environ. Authority
34 Nominated member Ministry of Lands
34 Nominated member Tourism Development Authority
36 Nominated member Sri Lanka Police
37 Nominated member Sri Lanka Navy
Under Section 31A (6) of the revised Fisheries Act, the Director General, Department of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources may appoint other persons, including representatives of
Divisional Coordinating Committees, representatives of associations representing other
commercial activities conducted within limits of the management area, representatives of the
fisher women’s’ groups and, representatives of non –governmental organizations involved in
natural resources management and the welfare of fishers, within the limits of the management
area, to be members of the Coordinating Committee. The following persons have been appointed
by the Director General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as members of the
Puttalam lagoon Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee:
1. Representative from Shrimp farmers association (to be identified)
2. Representative from Salt producers association (to be identified)
3. Representative from Small Fisher Federation (to be identified)
4. Representative from Wayamba University (to be identified)
5. NGO/CBO (to be identified)
6. Women CBO (to be identified)
Section 31B (1) of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No… of 2013
requires a Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee constituted for a Fishery
Management Area to submit to the Director General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources a fishery development and management plan for the area.
According to Section 31B (2) of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act,
No… of 2013, a Fishery Development and Management Plan prepared by a Fisheries
Management Coordinating Committee may contain proposals for the:
- division of the Fishery Management Area into zones for particular uses;
- prohibition or regulation of the use of particular types of fishing gear or equipment for
the taking of fish and aquatic resources in the FMA;
- prohibition or regulation of the use of particular methods for taking of fish or aquatic
resources in the FMA;
- prohibition of the taking of particular species of fish or aquatic resources in the FMA;
- declaration of closed seasons for fishing in particular parts of the Fishery Management
Area or for particular species of fish in the Fishery Management Area;
- regulating the times at which fish or aquatic resources may be taken in the Fishery
Management Area;
- preservation of locations of scenic beauty or of cultural or ecological significance in the
Fishery Management Area;
- improvement of the sustainability of fish and other aquatic resources in the Fishery
Management Area;
22
- research, post-harvest and marketing and development aspects related to the fishery;
- monitoring, compliance and surveillance and, consultation and review.
Under Section 31B (3) of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No…
of 2013, the Director General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is required
to make modifications if any, to the plan and submit the plan to the Minister for his or her
approval, within sixty days of a management plan being submitted to it by a Fisheries
Management Coordinating Committee.
Under Section 31B (4), the Minister may approve a plan within sixty days of it being
submitted to him or her and shall cause the plan to be published in the Gazette.
Under Section 31B (5), it shall be the duty of the Minister to give effect to the provisions
of the plan by making appropriate regulations under Section 61 and by the publication of
appropriate Notices under Section 34.
5. Management issues
Analysis of management issues in Puttalam lagoon in terms of social, biological and
environmental problems associated with the fishers and the fishery, causes for such problems and
possible solutions were discussed during meetings with representatives of the Fisheries
Committees as well as during consultations with all key stakeholders. These are summarized in
Table 10.
Table 10: Analysis of management issues and proposed solutions for Negombo lagoon
fisheries
Problem Cause/s Solution/s
Biological issues
Depletion of fishery
resources
- High fishing intensity
- Fishing beyond sustainable
limits
- Limit the number of fishers and
control access to who can fish in the
lagoon
- Use of small-meshed nets and
increased numbers of nets
- Conduct investigations and
determine minimum mesh size of
nets used for catching shrimp
- Continued use of
banned/illegal fishing gear due
to lack of enforcement
- Lack of awareness among
enforcement agencies
- Strict enforcement of regulations
banning illegal and harmful gear
- Awareness creation for security
agencies involved in enforcement
- Excessive trawling at the - Introduce collaborative
23
lagoon mouth reduces the
quantity of shrimp and fish
entering the lagoon
management of fisheries
Socio-economic
issues
Decreasing income
from fishing
- Fishing by outsiders (non-
members) particularly during
the peak season
- Ensure livelihoods of fishers
through a strictly enforced licensing
scheme
- Control access to who can fish in
the lagoon
- Theft of fish and fishing gear
as fishing is conducted for the
whole day
- Theft of fish from nets at
night
- Strengthen monitoring, control and
surveillance capability of concerned
authorities
Restrictions on
fishing activities
- Restriction of fishing areas
due to tourism development
activities
- Restriction of fishing areas
due to security zones
- Establish institutional mechanism
enabling coordination between
agencies to minimise economic
damage to lagoon fishers
- Establish planned water use
zonation
Fishing gear
- Shortage of fishing gear
- Facilitate easy access to fishing
gear
Marketing of fish
- No organized transport
facility
- No market for the catch
- Do not get fair price for fish
- No proper marketing facility
- Unscrupulous fish vendors
- Large landings by banned
gear (Laila del and Surukku
dela) depress prices and
impact on earnings of lagoon
fishers
- Provision of better marketing
facilities
- Strict enforcement of regulations
against banned gear
Infrastructure
- Traditional landing centres
lost due to illegal construction
Conflicts - Conflicts between resident
fishers, IDPs and migrant
fishers
- Conflicts between fishers in
- Engage the appropriate authorities
24
Kurrakkanhena,
Kuringnampitiya and
Mandalakudawa due to use of
Kudu dela
in policing and monitoring, control
and surveillance
Environmental
issues
Destruction and
pollution of the
lagoon ecosystem
adversely impacting
on fish resources
- Illegal encroachment into the
lagoon
- Establish lagoon boundaries to
minimize illegal encroachment
- Destruction of mangroves for
aquaculture and other
development activities
- Prepare and implement a mangrove
management plan for the lagoon
with community participation
- Pollution of lagoon water due
to sewage disposal
- Establish institutional mechanism
enabling coordination between
agencies to minimise damage to
lagoon environment
Governance issues
Lack of data &
information
for management
decisions
- Lack of catch and effort data
of the lagoon fishery
- Introduce a collaborative fisheries
data collection system for the
lagoon, which involves both
government and fishers in data
collection
- Lack of
research/investigations on
fishery resources and lagoon
ecosystem
- Carry out research on major fish
and crustacean varieties (biology,
population studies, etc.) and share
results /information with concerned
institutions
- Carry out periodic
research/investigations on the status
of the ecosystem/environment
- Establish close integration
(horizontal and vertical) between
DFAR, NARA, NAQDA, etc
Inadequate
compliance - Wilful violation of rules and
regulations
- promote compliance through
workshops, meetings, etc. with
fishing community
- Fishers and other stakeholders to
be organized to comply with a
voluntary code of conduct.
25
- Inadequate enforcement by
concerned authorities
- Strengthen enforcement capability
- Lack of knowledge and
awareness
- Conduct awareness programmes
for fishers and other stakeholders
6. Objectives and Performance indicators
The objectives of the plan listed below are what the stakeholders want to achieve by having the
fishery managed. These are listed in Table 11 under biological, social, economic and
environmental. In view of the multi-species nature of the resource and in the absence of
data/information on stock structure of major species, a precautionary approach has been adopted
and the biological objectives have been kept relatively simple.
Performance Indicators relying on data that are simple and easily obtainable have been selected
against each of the objectives.
The trigger points or reference points listed against each objective and indicator provide the
criteria that define the stage at which action needs to be taken when changes occur in the fishery.
For example, if the catches, income, size of fish caught, etc., fall below the agreed trigger point,
possible management options that can be considered by the Fisheries Management Coordination
Committee include reduction of fishing effort (number of boats, fishers, fishing gear units),
increasing mesh sizes, etc.
Table 11: Objectives and performance indicators
Objectives of the Plan Performance Indicator Trigger point
Biological –
Maintain catch levels at +/-
10% of present level
- Annual production
- Size of selected major
species harvested
- Proportion of juveniles or
under-sized fish of selected
species in catches
- Total catch falling by more
than 10% over the previous
year
- Size of selected major
species harvested decreased
by an agreed proportion
- Proportion of juveniles or
under-sized fish of selected
species in catches increased
by an agreed proportion
26
Objectives of the Plan Performance Indicator Trigger point
Social – economic
Maintain income levels
within 10% of present level
Reduction of indebtedness
of fishers
- Average annual income of
fishers
- No. of fishers in debt
- Income from fishing fallen
by more than 10% over the
previous year
- No. of fishers in debt has
increased by more than 10%
over the previous year
Environmental –
Protection of lagoon
ecosystem
- Current extent of lagoon
- Current extent of mangrove
- Level of pollution
- Extent of lagoon area and
mangroves decreased by more
than 10% over the previous
year
- Level of pollution increased
by an more than 10% over the
previous year
Governance –
Increased participation of
fishers in management
- No. of fishers in committees
- Attendance at meetings
- Attendance at management
meetings decreased by an
agreed proportion
7: Control mechanisms (Management measures)
7.1 Access arrangements – All full-time and part-time fishers fishing in the lagoon need to
obtain a Fishing Operations License. As only members of Fisheries Committees are issued with
Fishing Operations Licenses, all lagoon fishers need to become members of one of the twelve
Fisheries Committees established for Puttalam lagoon.
The Fishing Operations Licenses issued under the provisions of the Fishing Operations
Regulations of 1996, published in the Government Gazette Extraordinary No. 948/25 of 07th
November 1996 shall not be valid within the Puttalam lagoon fishery management area unless
these licenses are endorsed by the District Fisheries Office, Puttalam with the condition “Valid
for Puttalam Lagoon Fishery Management Area”.
Fishing operations licenses will be issued in a transparent manner. The Executive Committees of
the Fisheries Committees in consultation with the area Fisheries Inspector and the Assistant
Director of the District Fisheries Office shall decide the eligibility of an applicant to receive a
27
Fishing Operations License. Endorsement by a majority of the general membership of a Fisheries
Committee is required before a License can be issued.
All Fisheries Committees will cooperate with the relevant fisheries officials to prepare and
annually update a Register of Fishers in compliance with the Fisheries (Register) Regulations,
1997.
All fishing crafts operating in the lagoon will be registered by the District Fisheries office,
Puttalam and issued with registration certificates.
7.2 Input controls –
The use of push net in Sri Lankan waters has been banned under the Fishing Operations
Regulation, 1996 (Government Gazette Extraordinary No. 948/25 dated 07th
Nov. 1996) while
the use of monofilament nets has been banned under the Monofilament Nets Prohibition
Regulations, 2006 (Government Gazette Extraordinary No. 1454/33 dated 21st July 2006).
In addition to push nets and monofilament nets, the use of following fishing gear and methods
are considered harmful to the sustainability of the resources and the environment, based on a
study conducted by Jayakody (2013).
Yaka dela - This is a trammel net with the middle panel made out of single ply nylon
material.
Trammel nets made out of monofilament netting material.
Drag net (Kadippu dela).
Estuarine trawl net with a chain (Sangili dela).
In addition, it is recommended that the middle panel of the normal trammel net or the disco net
should be constructed using 2 ply or higher gauge net material of which the mesh size (stretched
mesh size) should be set at least 38 mm.
Fyke net (Kudu dela) – Although a passive gear, it is reported to trap large numbers of
juveniles of both shrimp and fish species. This fishery needs a comprehensive socio-
economic study as very poor fishers are involved. Increasing the mesh size to over 10
mm as a temporary measure may reduce catching of juvenile fish and crustaceans.
Provision of temporary license to fyke net fishers to limit further expansion would be an
interim measure until a comprehensive socio-economic study is conducted to formulate
appropriate management strategies. In addition, further research on this fishing gear is
recommended to find ways to make this a more “responsible” fishing gear type.
7.3 Code of conduct –
Some of the input controls agreed by stakeholders that cannot be easily incorporated in the
legislation need to be included in a voluntary “Code of conduct for Puttalam lagoon fishery”, to
28
be agreed upon by the Fisheries Committees and other groups and associations representing
fishers and other stakeholders; pledging voluntary compliance by fishers to do the right thing
with no sanctions except social and moral obligations. These include the following:
-
-
-
8: Monitoring of the Fishery (data collection and analysis)
District Fisheries Office, Puttalam will register all fishers and craft and issue Fishing
Operations Licenses to all members of Fisheries Committees during the month of
December for the following calendar year.
Fish catch data collection: Current data collection system adopted by the Department of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources does not allow adequate data collection from lagoons
and estuaries. The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency
NARA and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources shall jointly develop a
fisheries data collection system specifically for the lagoon, including new data collection
forms giving priority to lagoon fishing gear and species. The data collection system will
also mobilize Fisheries Committees and fishers to be actively involved in fisheries data
collection. Data analysis and reporting shall also be a joint responsibility of the National
Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency and the Department of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources.
Periodic (once every three years) monitoring shall be conducted by the National Aquatic
Resources Research and Development Agency to assess the adverse
environmental/ecological impacts on the lagoon ecosystem from fishing as well as the
impact of other anthropological activities and natural phenomenon on Puttalam lagoon
fisheries and fisher livelihoods.
9: Compliance (surveillance and enforcement)
A Sub-committee comprising the Assistant Director of the Puttalam district fisheries
office, the Fisheries Inspectors working in the lagoon and members representing the
Fisheries Committees will coordinate and take decisions regarding enforcement of
regulations.
Funds and facilities (boats, engines, capacity building, trainings, etc.) are needed to
operate and maintain a successful enforcement mechanism. There is a need to establish a
fund to meet expenses involved during surveillance and enforcement activities. Funds
could be requested from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, North
Western Provincial Council, Puttalam District Development Council and the Divisional
Secretariats. At a later stage, Fisheries Committees also need to contribute to such a fund.
29
The Sri Lanka Police and the Sri Lanka Navy are represented in the Fisheries
Management Coordinating Committee of Puttalam lagoon and they are expected to assist
the district fisheries office and the Fisheries Committees in enforcing the management
regulations in the Plan.
10. Research and investigations
The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), through its
regional research centre in Kalpitiya and the district office of the National Aquaculture
Development Authority (NAQDA) are expected to play lead roles in conducting and
coordinating all fisheries and aquaculture related research, monitoring of the lagoon
environment, etc., in Puttalam lagoon. A comprehensive research plan needs to be prepared and
implemented in order to provide a sound scientific basis for resources and environment
management of the lagoon. The following research needs have been identified by NARA and the
fishing community as high priority.
Fishery related:
Stock assessment of fish, shellfish and bivalve resources and estimation of annual
potential yields.
Evaluation of status of Beche de Mer (sea cucumber) fishery and research on
replenishment of wild sandfish (Holothuria scabra) population in Puttalam lagoon.
Socio-economic studies on Puttalam lagoon fisher community.
Environment/ecosystem related:
Mapping of sea grass beds in Puttalam lagoon.
Promotion of seaweed culture through pilot activities including market surveys.
Investigations into impacts of shrimp farming on the hydrobiology of the lagoon.
11: Fisheries development
11.1 Infrastructure facilities
Improvements to the following fish landing centres have been identified as a priority need:
1. Puttalam;
2. Kurakkanhena;
3. Anawasala;
4. Wannimundalama;
5. Soththupitiya;
6. Anakuttiya;
7. Serakkuliya;
30
8. Gangewadiya;
9. Kuringnanpitiya; and,
10. Pubudugama.
11.2 Community welfare facilities
11.3 Lagoon and ecosystem rehabilitation
Establishment of lagoon boundaries.
Conservation of mangroves through a mangrove management plan.
12: Consultation and extension with stakeholders
For the purposes of adequate consultation and extension at all levels, regular meetings shall be
held by the designated stakeholder groups:
• The Fisheries Committees shall meet once every month, attended by the area Fisheries
Inspector. Minutes of such meetings shall be kept by the Fisheries Committees, with
copies at the district fisheries office.
• The Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee of Puttalam lagoon shall meet once
in every three months. The Assistant Director, District Fisheries Office, Puttalam will act
as the Convener and the Secretary to the Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee.
• The District Development Council, attended by the District Secretary, Puttalam and
representatives of the Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee of Puttalam lagoon
will provide a forum for regular sensitizing of political leaders and senior government
officials of the area.
13. Plan monitoring and review
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) is the lead agency responsible for
the implementation of the Fisheries development and Management Plan of Puttalam lagoon.
Performance indicators
Performance indicators are given in Table 11.
Monitoring and review of the Fishery Development and Management Plan
The last meeting of the Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee in any year shall be
considered as the annual general meeting of the said Committee and a review of the success
31
and/or failure of management measures in meeting the objectives of the Puttalam lagoon Fishery
Development and Management Plan should be undertaken to decide what further actions need to
be taken.
As the plan has been prepared based on limited data and information, the first review
shall be made after two years. Thereafter, the plan shall be reviewed once every four
years, based on the best available information from monitoring of the fishery and
research carried out by concerned agencies.
The district fisheries office, assisted by the Fisheries Management Coordinating
Committee and its stakeholders shall be responsible for the review of the plan.
Monitoring protocols
Monitoring protocols established in the Action Plan are given in Table 12:
Action plan
Management goal - Sustainable utilization of lagoon fish resources
Management measure - Maintain current production
Tasks and responsible agencies for following up on the action plan for sustainable utilization of
fish resources in Puttalam lagoon is given in Table 12.
Table 12: Action Plan for sustainable utilization of fish resources in Puttalam lagoon
Tasks Responsible for
implementation
Completion
date
Responsible for
checking
1 Conduct periodic
assessment of fish
potential/productivity of
Puttalam lagoon
NARA
1st assessment
by end of 2014
DG / NARA
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
2 Implement regular fish
catch monitoring
programme
NARA
District Fisheries Office /
Puttalam
Fisheries Committees
Continuous
from 2014
onwards
DG / NARA
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
3
Enforce regulations District Fisheries Offices
/ Puttalam
Fisheries Committees
Police /Navy
Continuous
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
4
Strengthen and support
fisheries
co-management
initiatives
MFARD / DFAR
Continuous
DG/DFAR
5 Evaluate the status of NARA By 2014 DG / NARA
32
Tasks Responsible for
implementation
Completion
date
Responsible for
checking
Beche de Mer (sea
cucumber) fishery and
conduct research on
replenishment of wild
sandfish (Holothuria
scabra) population in
Puttalam lagoon
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
* DD (Mgmt) - Deputy Director (Management division); DG - Director General, MFARD-
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, DFAR- Department of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources, NARA- National Aquatic Resources Reserach and Developemnt
Agency
Management goal - Maximize income of fishers engaged in Puttalam lagoon fishing
Management measure - Control fishing effort by restricting access to fishery
Table lists the tasks and responsible agencies for follow-up on the action plans for maximizing
income of Negombo lagoon fishers
Table 13: Action plan for maximizing income of fishers engaged in Puttalam lagoon fishing
Tasks Responsible for
implementation
Completion date Responsible for
checking
1 Issue of Fishing Operations
Licenses only to members
of Fisheries Committees
District Fisheries
Offices / Puttalam
Fisheries Committees
Issue/renewal in
December every
year
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
2 Preparation of Register of
Fishers
District Fisheries
Offices / Puttalam
Update every
December
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
3 Registration of all lagoon
fishing craft
District Fisheries
Offices / Puttalam
Issue/renewal in
December every
year
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
4 Strengthen monitoring,
control and surveillance
mechanism
DFAR
Fisheries Committees
Continuous
5 Conduct socio-economic
studies on Puttalam lagoon
fisher community
NARA DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
6 Promote seaweed culture
through pilot activities
including market surveys
NARA DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
33
7 Introduce alternative
livelihoods
Continuous
District Secretary
/Puttalam
Divisional Secretaries * DD (Mgmt) - Deputy Director (Management division); DG - Director General, DFAR-
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, NARA- National Aquatic Resources Reserach
and Developemnt Agency
Management goal – Conservation of lagoon environment and biodiversity
Management measure - Control adverse environmental impacts
The tasks and responsible agencies for following up on the action plans for conserving Puttalam
lagoon environment and biodiversity are presented in Table 14.
Table 14: Action plan for conserving environment and biodiversity in Puttalam lagoon
Tasks Responsible for
implementation
Completion
date
Responsible for
checking
1 Implementation of a
participatory mangrove
management plan
FD / FMCC Continuous
from 2013
onwards
DG/ Forest Dept.
District
Secretary/Puttalam
Mapping of sea grass
beds in Puttalam lagoon
NARA By 2014 DG / NARA
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
2 Enforcement of
regulations banning
harmful fishing methods
District Fisheries
Offices / Puttalam
Police/Navy
Continuous
DD ( Mgmt) / DFAR
3 Establish lagoon
boundaries to minimize
illegal encroachment
FMCC End Dec. 2014 District Secretary
/Puttalam
4 Minimize pollution of
lagoon water due to
industrial pollutants
MEPA
NWP Env. Authority
Continuous District Secretary
/Puttalam
5 Minimize pollution of
lagoon water due to
sewage disposal
Pradeshiya Sabha
Municipal Council
Continuous District Secretary
/Puttalam
6 Minimize pollution of
lagoon water due to solid
waste disposal
Pradeshiya Sabha
Municipal Council
Continuous District Secretary
/Puttalam
Divisional Secretaries
7 Investigations into
impacts of shrimp
farming on the
hydrobiology of the
lagoon
NAQDA / NARA
District Secretary
/Puttalam
DG/NARA
DG/NAQDA
8 Coordinate all
aquaculture activities in
NAQDA / NARA Continuous District Secretary
/Puttalam
34
Tasks Responsible for
implementation
Completion
date
Responsible for
checking
the lagoon NWP Env. Authority Divisional Secretaries
9 Coordinate expansion of
salterns to minimise
adverse impacts on
lagoon ecosystem
CEA
NWP Env. Authority
Divisional
Secretaries
Continuous District Secretary
/Puttalam
10 Monitoring of lagoon
ecosystem
NARA/ MEPA
CC & CRMD
Continuous District Secretary
/Puttalam
Divisional Secretaries
CC & CRMD- Coast Conservation & Coastal Resources management Dept., FD-Forest
Department, FMCC - Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee, * DD (Mgmt) - Deputy
Director (Management division); DG - Director General, MEPA-Marine Environment
Protection Authority, NWP Env. Authority- North-Westaren Province Environment Authority,
NARA – National Aquatic Resources Reserach and Developemnt Agency, NAQDA- National
Aquaculture Development Authority
References:
Alwis, M. M. and P. Dayaratne, 1992 – Present status of the fishery for finfish and shellfish
resources of the Puttalam estuary in the North-western Province of Sri Lanka. Paper presented at
the 3rd
Asian Fisheries Forum, Singapore.
Arulananthan, K. 1992 – Some studies on tidal water volume exchange in the Puttalam Estuarine
system. Paper presented at NARA/SAREC/NARESA workshop on coastal ecosystem study
programme.
Arulananthan, K., L. Rydberg, U. Cederlof and E. M. S. Wijeratne, 1995 – Water exchange in a
hypersalinetropical estuary, the Puttalam lagoon, Sri Lanka. Ambio, Vol. 25, No. 7-8, pp 438-
443.
Batagoda, B. M. S (2003). Economic valuation of alternative uses of Mangrove forests in Sri
Lanka – Research Paper –EECS.
Dayaratne, P., A. B. A. K. Gunaratne and M. M. Alwis, 1995 - Fish resources and fisheries in a
tropical lagoon system in Sri Lanka. AMBIO, Vol. 24, 402-410.
Dayaratne, P., O. Linden, and M.W. R. N. De Silva (Eds), 1997 – The Puttalam and Mundel
Lake, Sri Lanka: A study of coastal resources, their utilization, environmental issues and
management options. Ambio, 24 (7-8), 391-401
Dayaratne, P., O. Linden, and M.W. R. N. De Silva (Eds), 1997 – The Puttalam/Mundel
Estuarine System and Associated Coastal Waters. A report on environment degradation, resource
management issues and options for their solution. Colombo: NARA and NARESA, 98 pp.
35
Durairatnam, M. and J. C. Medcof, 1954 – Ceylon’s Red Seaweed resources. The Ceylon Trade
Journal, 19.
IUCN, 2010 - An ecological assessment of the Puttalam lagoon area. IUCN, Sri Lanka Country
Office, Colombo, 45 pp, unpublished.
IUCN, 2012 – An Environmental and Fisheries Profile of the Puttalam lagoon System. Regional
Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (GCP/RAS/237/SPA) Field
Project Document 2011/LKA/CM/06, xvii + 237 pp.
Jayakody, D. S. 2013 - Investigations on fishing gear and methods used in Puttalam estuary
Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (GCP/RAS/237/SPA):
Field Project Document 2013/LKA/CM/01.
Jayasuriya, P. M. A. 1985 – The present status of finfish and crustacean fishery of the Puttalam
Lagoon. J. Nat. Aq. Res. Ag. Sri Lanka, Vol. 32, pp 94-103.
Jayasuriya, P. M. A. 1991- The species composition, abundance and distribution of seagrass
communities in Puttalam lagoon. Vidyodaya Journal of Science, Vol. 3, pp 93-102.
Kanakaratne, M. D., W. K. T. Perera and B. U. S. Fernando, 1983 – An attempt at determining
the mangrove coverage in Puttalam lagoon, Dutch Bay and Portugal Bay, Sri Lanka using remote
sensing techniques. Proceedings of the 4th
Asian Conference on Remote Sensing, Colombo: Sri
Lanka.
Siriwardene, P. P. G. S. N. 2001- Management strategies for major diseases in shrimp
aquaculture in Sri Lanka. In Rohana Subasinghe, R. Arthur, M. J. Phillips and M. Reantaso
(Eds), Thematic Review on management Strategies for Major Diseases in Shrimp Aquaculture,
Proceedings of workshop held in Cebu, Philippines, 28030 Nov. 1999. WB/NACA/WWF/FAO
Consortium Programme on Shrimp Farming and the Environment.
The Fisheries Development and Management Plan of Puttalam lagoon provides a legal framework for the
implementation of fisheries resource management with a strong focus on environment conservation and a
public statement of the intent of agreed actions by the key stakeholders. The development of the Plan
involved extensive consultations between fishers, fisheries officials, local administrative officials and other
stakeholder agencies responsible for natural resources management and environment conservation. It
identifies what needs to be implemented to achieve sustainable fisheries resources management and
environment conservation in Puttalam lagoon and persons/agencies responsible for each specific action.
In the development of the Plan, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was supported by the
Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development (AECID) through a Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations trust‐fund project, the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme
(RFLP) for South and Southeast Asia.
Besides financial and technical support, RFLP also provided logistical assistance for consultation meetings
as well as support for the printing and translation of the Plan into Sinhalese.
The content of the Plan does not necessarily reflect the opinion of FAO, AECID or RFLP.