Sea insecurity and small-scale fishers’ well-being: A case study in Mannar, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract : International maritime boundary lines and legitimate fishing techniques safeguard the marine environment from poaching and over-exploitation of resources while ensuring sustainable fisheries-based livelihoods. Indian trawler trespass and illegal fishing have been extensively practiced along the Northwestern coast of the country, especially in Mannar. This paper examines the impacts of sea insecurity on small-scale fisheries living in Mannar. A mixed method approach was adopted employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, including a questionnaire survey (n=138), focus group discussions, in-depth interviews (n=15), participatory rural appraisal techniques, and key informant interviews (n=8). Fishing sites: Silavathurai, Vankalai, Pesalai, and SouthBar, which host both small-scale migrants and local fishers, were selected for the study. Individuals for the qualitative data collection were selected purposively, yet a simple random sampling technique was adopted for the questionnaire survey. A three-dimensional well-being approach- material, relational and subjective was used to assess the well-being of small-scale fishers. The Indian trawler poaching has reduced fishers’ harvest by more than 60 percent, thereby changing the income by 90 percent, making almost all debtors. Loss of material well-being due to increased cost of production, lower catch per unit effort, debt, and prolonged deprivation has led to illegal fishing such as dynamiting, ring seine, log fishing, and brush piles in the near-shore area. Mushrooming social conflicts among multiple user groups have jeopardized inter and intra-community relationships and networks. Illegitimacy negatively affects on the subjective well-being of fisher folk, both men and women, due to loss of self-esteem, frustration, and fear. Respondents claim interactive and communicative governance mechanisms for better implementation of rules and regulations. Frequent boat patrols and reconnaissance are requested to ensure sea security. Two main conclusions are drawn. First, sea security is needed to ensure the well-being of fisher folk over material, relational, and subjective aspects. Second, the lack of sea security encourages illegitimacy; the marine ecosystem’s health is damaged and jeopardized. Thus, an interactive and inclusive governing regime is suggested, which would replace the present inefficient and fragmented governing structure.