Abstract
Valaichchenai lagoon is one of the major inland fishery sources in Batticaloa. However, status of fishery & socio-economic information were lacking in literature, and this study aimed to fulfil this research gap. Primary data including fishing practices, species, marketing system and supply chain, catch per unit effort, sustainable fishery constraints, and environmental impacts of fishing & related activities, were collected using questionnaire, interviews, and direct field observations. Secondary data were obtained from Fisheries Department of Batticaloa and journal articles. Total of 12 types of fishing gears and the outrigger lagoon canoes (Thoni) were used for fishing and 38 species were identified during study period. Only a very small percentage directly sells fish catch to final consumers, and supply chain includes local and foreign market interventions. Fishermen caught 0.009 to 0.027 kg/net square meter-day, and 0.75 to 3.1 kg/day using a gill net and cast net respectively, on average. Regulations for mesh sizes and certain unauthorized activities, licensing system, and seabass cage culture for sustainable fisheries have been imposed in Valaichchenai lagoon, but there were no species/size limitations, off-season/time limitations with prevailing irresponsible fishing (IUU), seagrass/benthic environment destruction, shrimp farm effluent discharge, disposal from cage fishing harbour & adjacent bout repairing centres, oil spilling from boats and sound pollution issues. It can be suggested that introducing a co-management system, implementing voluntary code of conduct, proper rules and regulations, frequent monitoring, conducting awareness programmes & training programmes for the sustainability of Valaichchenai lagoon fishery.