Sri Lankan Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Assessment PDF
Sri Lankan Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Assessment PDF
Sri Lankan Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Assessment PDF
Fishery Assessment
Final Report
by
Dr. Steve Creech
Submitted to
Co-financed by
on
25th November 2013
revised on
28th May 2014
List of Abbreviations
List of Tables
List of Figures
Figure 1 Size and weight relationship for SLBSC in Pallikuda (Kalpitiya) and Mandaitivu (Jaffna)
Figure 2 Annual Sri Lankan crab production for all crab varieties
Figure 3 Comparative increases in crab production in four districts since 2009
Figure 4 Export destinations and value (LKRs) of crab exports 1990 to 2011
Figure 5 Sri Lanka marine fisheries value chain map (USAID 2008)
Figure 5 Schematic representations of supply chains for SLBSCs
Figure 6 Relative Contributions of Crab Products to Exports, by Weight (kg) and Value (LKR)
Figure 7 Relative Contributions of Crab Export Products, by Weight (kg) and Value (LKR)
Figure 8 Estimated Increase in Fishery Income by Catching Larger and Large Sized Crabs
List of Annexes
Anne A Comparative analysis of the current status of FIP for four swimming crab fisheries in
Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico and Russia
Annex B Consultant’s Terms of Reference
Annex C Main assessment criteria and sub criteria used during the field survey
Annex D List of the scientific papers, technical reports and guidelines reviewed during the assignment
Annex E Consultant’s completed work schedule for the assessment of the SLBSC Fishery
Annex F List of the agencies, organisations and individuals who generously contributed information,
comments and suggestions to improve the SLBSC Fishery
Annex G Schematic representation of the FIP Steering Committee to improve the SLBSC fishery
Table of Contents
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 4
1) The Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL) represents and promotes the interests of Sri
Lankan companies engaged in the export of seafood products from Sri Lanka. The SEASL provides a
common platform for Sri Lankan seafood companies to discuss challenges and concerns affecting
seafood exports, as well as issues affecting the fisheries industry as a whole in Sri Lanka.
2) In May 2013, the SEASL convened a meeting of participants engaged in the Sri Lankan blue swimming
crab (SLBSC) fishery in Negombo, so explore ways to improve the fishery. The Negombo meeting was
convened with the support of the National Fisheries Institute Crab Council (NFI CC). At the end of the
meeting the SEASL took a decision to initiate a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) for the SLBSC fishery,
to improve the fishery in accordance with the principles set out by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership
(SFP).
3) The aim of a FIP is to bring together all those associated to a fishery i.e., fishing communities, traders,
seafood companies, regulators, scientists and civil society organisations (CSO), as well as international
importers and distributors, to create and implement a local plan that will improve the economic, social
and ecological sustainability of a fishery. A key step in the process of initiating a FIP is undertaking an
assessment of the fishery.
4) The assessment of the SLBSC fishery was conducted between August and November 2013. The
assessment commenced with a review of technical reports, scientific papers and guidelines pertaining
to blue swimming crabs (BSC) in general. The processes and frameworks associated with the design and
development of various FIPs, including other crab FIPs were also reviewed, along with the Marine
Stewardship Council’s principles, criteria and principal indicators for sustainable fisheries.
5) A field survey of the SLBSC fishery, which is located off the north western and northern coast of Sri
st
Lanka, was completed over a period of six weeks beginning from the 1 August 2013. The last
th
interviews with participants in the fishery were conducted with a CSO in Colombo on 16 September. A
total of 36 interviews were conducted with 112 individuals associated with the SLBSC fishery in five
coastal districts, as well as in the capital Colombo. 11% of the participants in the field survey were
women.
6) The experiences, knowledge, opinions and comments gathered from key participants in the SLBSC
fishery form the basis of the SLBSC fishery assessment report. The findings of the assessment indicate
that the SLBSC fishery is likely to fail to meet the requirements necessary to pass 23 out of MSC’s 31
performance indicators for sustainable fisheries. The assessment suggests that the fishery may pass
seven performance indicators, but would subsequently need to meet conditions applied by the
independent MSC assessor.
7) The principal deficiencies in terms of achieving sustainable management of the fishery relate to
principles 1 and 2. The fishery is likely to fail all seven performance indicators associated the biological
status of the SLBSC resource. The fishery is likely to fail 13 of the 15 performance indicators associated
the ecological impacts of the fishery (Principle 2). A summary of the MSC Guidepost Scores for the
SLBSC fishery is given overleaf.
8) Twenty four recommendations to improve the biological status of the fishery (12 recommendations); to
improve (i.e., reduce) the ecological impact of the fishery (2 recommendations) and to improve the
management of the fishery are proposed.
1
Summary of the MSC Guidepost Scores for the SLBSC Fishery
2
V. A study should be commissioned to investigate the selectivity of bottom-set gill nylon gill nets,
with a view to establishing a minimum mesh size for the SLBSC fishery
VI. The GOSL should be lobbied and there should be advocacy among fishing communities, against
the use of illegal monofilament nets.
VII. There should be continued support for and promotion of measures to mitigation or reduce the
harvesting of ovigerous females
VIII. A regulation should be introduced for the SLBSC fishery
IX. The GOSL should continue to be lobbied and there should be continued advocacy with SLBSC
fishermen to stop illegal trawling by IND and SRL trawlers
X. Technical and financial assistance should be provided to DFAR / MFAR to improve the collection
and analysis of field data and information to monitor the exploitation of Sri Lankan marine
resources.
XI. The assessment report and recommendations should be validated by an MSC approved
independent conformity assessment body (CAB)
XII. Preparations should be made to undertake or commission an assessment of the status of the
SLBSC stock after the improvements to the SLBSC fishery outlined in the assessment report have
been satisfactorily achieved
XIV. A study should be commissioned to further investigate the interaction between the SLBSC fishery
and key marine habitats in the vicinity of the fishery.
3
I. Introduction
9) The Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL) was established to represent and promote the
interests of Sri Lankan companies engaged in the export of seafood products from Sri Lanka. The SEASL
provides a common platform for Sri Lankan seafood companies to discuss challenges and concerns
affecting seafood exports, as well as issues affecting the fisheries industry as a whole in Sri Lanka.
10) The SEASL acts as an important focal point for engagement between seafood companies and the
Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL). The SEASL lobbies and advises the government on policy and practices
related to seafood exports, including inspection, licensing and certification of seafood products. The
SEASL is also a forum for dialogue within the seafood community in Sri Lankan and between the Sri
Lankan seafood sector and the international seafood community.
11) The SEASL’s goal is to ensure the long term economic, social and environmental sustainability of the
seafood sector in Sri Lanka. To achieve this goal, the SEASL and its member organisations work in close
collaboration with producers and suppliers, as well as with the agencies and authorities of the GOSL.
The SEASL promotes and seeks to improve the sustainable exploitation and management of Sri Lanka’s
marine resources.
12) The aim of a fishery improvement project (FIP) is to bring together all those associated to a particular
fishery i.e., fishing communities, traders, seafood companies, regulators, scientists, civil society
organisations (CSO) and foreign importers and distributors, to create and implement a local plan that
will improve the economic, social and ecological sustainability of a fishery.
13) The driving force behind the desire to improve local, national and international fisheries is the
increasing global concern about the long term future of fish stocks. Over 80% of the world’s fish stock
are either fully or over exploited. When fish stock crash, everyone associated with the fishery is
1
affected. The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP ), a seafood business orientated non government
organisation based in the United States of America, is at the forefront of encouraging FIPs.
14) The SFP brings together representatives of fishing communities, national and international seafood
companies, government authorities and researchers to generate and share information that can be
used to improve local, national and international fisheries.
15) There are now more than 40 FIPs in operation around the world, four of which, in Russia, Mexico,
Philippines and Indonesia, are for swimming crab fisheries. A comparative analysis of these four
swimming crab FIPs, is presented in Annex A.
16) A single FIP is under implementation in Sri Lanka, for Sri Lankan yellowfin (Thunus albacare) and bigeye
(T. obesus) tuna (see http://www.seasl.lk/index.php/sustainablefisheries/sltfip), which is managed by
the SEASL.
1
www.sustainablefish.org
4
A FIP for the Sri Lankan Blue Swimming Crab
17) The decision to initiate a FIP for the Sri Lankan blue swimming crab (SLBSC) was made by the SEASL after
receiving requests from representatives of Sri Lankan seafood companies, government authorities,
researchers and civil society organisations associated with the SLBSC fishery in the north of Sri Lanka. A
meeting of seafood companies, agencies and individuals associated with the SLBSC fishery was
convened by the SEASL in Negombo, in May 2013, with the support of the National Fisheries Institute
Crab Council (NFI CC).
18) The NFI CC is an American CSO that comprises representatives from the leading importers and
distributors of blue swimming crab in the USA. The NFI CC is dedicated to improving standards and
practices that will enhance the seafood industry’s management of blue swimming crab fisheries around
the world: based on sound ecological and economic principles.
19) The blue swimming crab (BSC) Portunus pelagicus (see image below) is a tropical marine crustacean
that occurs in large shoals in shallow coastal water overlying sandy or muddy substrates. It is common
throughout the Indo-pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa, throughout South Asia, Southeast
Asia and Australia, to the western coast of North and South America. Populations of BSC are also found
in the Mediterranean Sea.
20) The lifecycle of the BSC is short: crabs typically live for
only three to four years (Dineshababu et al., 2008).
Adults reach a maximum size of around 190mm
(carapace width) and a maximum weight of around
550g (Sukumaran & Neelakantan 1996). Female crabs
become sexually mature towards the end of their first
year, at sizes ranging from 33mm to 177mm (body
weight ≈ 65g to 150g) (Kamrani et al., 2010). Female
crabs produce between 0.10 million to 1.1 million eggs
at a single spawning, depending on their size (REF).
Larger female crabs produce proportionally more eggs
than smaller female crabs (Kumar et al., 1999)). A male Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus)
Females spawn once a year. Female crabs brood their
eggs, incubating the eggs for five to seven days before
the larvae hatch.
21) BSC populations typically have a distinct, peak spawning season. In warmer climates a small number of
individual spawn throughout the year. After hatching and joining the plankton, BSC larvae drift with the
wind and tides. BSC larvae undergo a series of morphological changes over a period of 21 to 25 days
before they become juvenile crabs, measuring 15 mm – 35 mm (Anand & Soundarapandian, 2011).
SLBSC are voracious hunters and scavengers. BSC eat small shrimps and other crabs (including other
BSC), finfish, cuttlefish, shellfish, squid and worms, as well as seaweed and dead and decaying matter
(Menon, 1952).
22) The growth of BSC is closely determined by water temperature. In warmer climates BSC grow quickly
reaching close to their maximum size and weight by the end of their second year. A variety of pelagic
and benthic fish species including jacks and bream are known to prey on BSC populations.
5
II. Scope of Work
23) The Scope of Work for the assessment of the SLBSC fishery off the northwest and northern coast of Sri
Lanka, was set out in a contractual agreement signed between the between the Consultant and the
st
SEASL on 1 August 2013 (see Annex B). The sub activities proposed in respect of the assessment
included, but were not restricted to;
24) The Scope of Work for the assessment was informed by the procedures and methods promoted by the
2
SFP for the formulation of FIP and guided by the criteria endorsed by the Marine Stewardship Council
3
(MSC) vis-a-vis the certification of sustainable fisheries . The conclusions and recommendation set out
in the first draft of the final report were therefore presented in accordance with the SFP’s two principal
components for fishery improvement i.e., FIP 4: measurable and positive social and economic changes
and FIP 5: measurable and positive biological and ecological change. The sub activities identified by SFP
under FIP 3.0 were assigned to the relevant FIP principal component.
25) Following a review of the first draft of the final fishery assessment report and changes in the NFI CC’s
perspective on fishery assessment reporting, the NFI CC requested the SEASL and the Consultant to
submit the final report in accordance with the MSC’s Fishery Standard: Principles and Criteria for
Sustainable Fishing. The conclusions and recommendations presented below are thus made in
accordance with MSC’s three core principles (i.e., biological status of the fishery; ecological impact of
the fishery and management of the fishery), rather than in accordance with the SFP’s two principal
components for fishery improvement impact on the environment and fishery as originally agreed.
26) This report represents the first of a series of deliverables agreed in the aforementioned contract. Other
deliverables that have been achieved during the course of the fishery assessment include:
2
www.sustainablefish.org
3
www.msc.org
6
III. Fishery Assessment Methodology & Criteria
27) The methodology adopted for the assessment of the SLBSC fishery was based on the collection and
analysis of both quantitative data and qualitative information. The methodology sought to gather
quantitative data from secondary sources (i.e., published and unpublished reports and studies), while
the sources of qualitative information were gathered from participants in the SLBSC fishery. Qualitative
information was collected by means of semi structured interviews (see images below), the duration of
which was designed not to last more than 45 minutes.
30) The biological aspects of the fishery evaluated included data and information pertaining to geographic
range, population biology and reproductive biology. Socio-economic aspects of the fishery included
location and seasonality of the fishery and landing centres; types of boats and gear; productivity;
history, culture and social organisation, supply and value chain economic and the relative social and
economic importance of the fishery. The assessment of ecological aspects of the fishery focused on the
bycatch from the fishery (i.e., commercial / non commercial; retained / discarded and endangered,
threatened and protected (ETP) species), as well as the habitat and ecosystem impacts of the fishery.
31) The last of the four evaluation criteria - fishery management - was designed to assess the nature, level
and effectiveness of the management of the SLBSC fishery. The management of the fishery was
assessed based on formal and informal data collection procedures; estimates of abundance; formal and
informal (traditional) fishery management legislation, regulations and conventions; stock enhancement
programmes; local compliance and effective of any such controls and the prevalence (if any) of illegal,
unreported or unregulated (IUU) catch. A detailed description of sub questions explored during the
course of the evaluation, for each of the four main assessment criteria, is presented in Annex C.
32) An evaluation matrix was developed by the Consultant to minimise the duplication of data collection
and information gathered from secondary and primary sources. Table 1 provides a summary of the
evaluation matrix developed for the assessment of the SLBSC fishery.
7
Table 1 Evaluation matrix for the assessment of the SLBSC fishery
1° Data Sources
a. Producers XXX XXX XXX XXX
Kalpitiya, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Jaffna
b. Trade/Processors/Export XXX XXX
SEASL, TSF, Phillipsfoods, Alpex Marine,
Western Lanka, PN Fernando, Ceylon
Foods, Prawn Ceylon
c. Regulators XXX XXX XXX XXX
MFAR, DFAR, NAQDA, NARA
d. Researchers XXX XXX
Universities (Wyamba, Jaffna, others)
e. Civil Society XXX XXX
CEPA, FAO UN, NAFSO, ILO UN, IOM,
UNDP
33) A number of scientific papers, technical reports and studies and guidelines pertaining to either BSC or
FIPs and fishery management reviewed during the course of the assessment (see Annex D).
34) The field survey assessment of the SLBSC fishery off the north western and northern coast of Sri Lanka
st
was completed by the Consultant over a period of six (6) weeks beginning on the 1 August 2013. The
th
last interviews were conducted with CSO in Colombo on 16 September. The completed schedule of
interviews in five districts and in Colombo with producers, processors, regulators and CSO is set out in
Annex E. A list of the agencies, organisations, and individuals met by the Consultant during the course
of the assessment is provided in Annex F.
35) A total of 36 interviews were conducted with 112 individuals associated with the SLBSC fishery during
the course of the assessment (see Table 2). Twelve of the participants in the field survey were women
(11%). Participants in the SLBSC fishery shared their experiences and knowledge of the fishery with the
Consultant during the course of the field survey. Their opinions on the key initiatives necessary to
improve the SLBSC fishery were also sought during the assessment.
36) Qualitative data collected during the course of the field survey was analysed by coding each observation
and opinion. 47 sub codes were used by the Consultant to disaggregate the qualitative data, under each
of the four principal assessment criteria. In addition to the four main assessment criteria, qualitative
data describing respondents’ suggestions to ‘improve the SLBSC fishery’ was also analysed by coding the
suggestions. A summary of the sub codes used by the Consultant to analyse and interpret the
qualitative data collected during the course of the field assessment is present in Table 3.
37) Once all the information collected had been coded, the information was sorted by sub code. The key
findings presented in the following section, are based on the Consultant’s analysis of the coded and
sorted data.
38) A copy of the first draft of the SLBSC fishery assessment report was submitted to the SEASL for
th
comments on 10 October 2013. As noted above, the NFI CC requested structural changes to the
presentation of the conclusions and recommendations in the first draft of the SLBSC fishery assessment
8
report. The final assessment report on the SLBSC fishery off the north western and northern coast of Sri
rd 4
Lanka was submitted to and approved by the SEASL on 23 November 2013 .
Interviews
Target Achieved
Table 3 Codes used to disaggregate qualitative data collected from producers, processors,
regulators and CSO with regard to each of the four main assessment criteria
Fishing Gear:
Females with Eggs
Monofilament
History of the Fishery Fishing Pressure
External Issues Political Pressure
Social Profile
Fishing Community
Women in the Fishery
PH Processing
Social Issues
Fishing Community
Women in the Fishery
PH Processing
Social Issues
Economic Profile
SLBSC Catch
Fishing Expenditure
Supply Chain
Supply Chain: Traders
Supply Chain: Exporters
Supply Chain: FCS
Supply Chain: Demand
Grading
PH Processing
4
The Final Report was revised and updated in May 2014
9
V. Key Findings
41) Aspects of the biology of the BSC off the south coast of India reported in these papers are consistent
with the global research on the BSC described in the Introduction above. Accordingly, the lifecycle of the
BSC in India is short: crabs typically live for three years. Adults reach a maximum size of around 170 mm
for female carapace width (Dineshababu et al., 2008). Female crabs become sexually mature towards
the end of their first year. Size at 50% maturity is 96 mm - carapace width (CW) - according to
Dineshababu et al., (2008), while the majority of ovigerous females caught are between CW 115 mm
and CW 159 mm (Prasad & Tampi 1952). Female crabs produce between 0.10 million to 0.90 million
eggs at a single spawning (Anand & Soundarapandian 2011), depending on their size. Larger female
crabs produce proportionally more eggs than smaller female crabs. Females spawn once a year. Larval
duration is around 25 days (Anand & Soundarapandian 2011).
42) In Kalpitiya (Puttalam District), field evidence was advanced by fishing communities to suggest that two
populations of SLBSC may be present, one located in the main body of Puttalam Lagoon and Dutch Bay
and the other in the adjacent open sea (see map below). It was suggested that the two populations
were separated due to environmental conditions including high salinities and temperatures experienced
by SLBSC caught from Puttalam Lagoon and Dutch Bay. This argument was advanced to explain the
relatively smaller size of SLBSC caught from the southern end of the lagoon, compared to the open sea.
43) No indications were observed or suggestions made to suggest the existence of more than a single
population of BSC on the Sri Lanka side of the Palk Bay, through to the Gulf of Mannar (see map below).
The peak spawning season for SLBSC caught in Puttalam, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts was
similar. Peak spawning takes place in April and May and continues through to June. Females with eggs
becoming more common in the fishery from February onwards each year in all four locations. At the
same time, all four locations reported the presence of females with eggs throughout the year. A small
sample (N = 33) of CW width versus total weight measurements of SLBSC collected from Palakuda
(Kalpitiya / Puttalam District) and Mandaitivu (Jaffna District) indicated a similar width / weight
relationship for the crab populations in the two locations (see Figure 1).
10
Figure 1: Size and weight relationship for SLBSC in Pallikuda (Kalpitiya) and Mandaitivu (Jaffna)
47) No evidence of specific nursery grounds for SLBSC was observed during the field survey. Jayamana
notes that juvenile crabs are commonly associated with mangrove roots and sea grass beds (2011),
which are found extensive in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay.
48) Considerable stands of fringing mangrove are found in Dutch Bay (>250 ha) and Puttalam Lagoon (>750
ha), together with extensive sea grass beds. Fringing mangroves and sea grass beds are also present
throughout the Sri Lanka side of the Palk Bay and in Jaffna Lagoon.
5
Also referred to as ovigerous crabs
11
b. Physical Profile
49) The physical profile of the SLBSC fishery described in this report encompasses the geographic scope for
the fishery and the fishing season. The physical profile also includes a description of the fishing craft and
6
gear used by Sri Lankan fishermen to harvest SLBSC. Reference is also made to legal and illegal fishing
gears use to harvest SLBSC, including mesh sizes. The history of the SLBSC fishery is also examined as
recounted by older fishermen (oral history), as well as from the records of crab fish catch data collected
by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (DFAR) extension staff. The physical profile of
the SLBSC fishery concludes with an examination of external issues that are perceived as having a
negative impact on the SLBSC fishery and a brief description of fisheries other than the SLBSC that
fishermen engage in.
51) Puttalam Lagoon, which comprises Puttalam Lagoon and Portugal Bay and covers an area of 32,680 ha is
technical not a lagoon, but a bar built estuary. Jaffna Lagoon is low lying area of land submerged by a
combination of the diurnal rise and fall of the sea (average tidal amplitude is around 0.7 m) and
seasonal run off of rainwater from the surrounding land during the northeast monsoon. Puttalam
Lagoon and Jaffna Lagoon undergo marked changes in salinity during the course of the year, from
brackish to hypersaline.
52) SLBSC are most common within the geographic range of the fishery over soft substrates i.e., and or
mud. SLBSC are less commonly found over hard substrates such as coral and sandstone reefs as found
off the coast of Puttalam District and the north coast of the Jaffna Peninsula. Three spot swimming
crabs (P. sanguinolentus), for which there is little commercial demand, are more common over coral
and sandstone reefs. SLBSC caught in Jaffna Lagoon mainly form part of the bycatch of the prawn stake
net fishery (see external issues below) and the bottom-set baited trap fishery. The small size of the
SLBSC caught in these fisheries (<80g) ensures that they do not enter the main – export orientated -
supply chain for SLBSC (see supply chain below). As such, BSC caught in stake nets and baited traps are
considered part of the SLBSC fishery, for the purpose of the assessment.
53) Each fishing village along the northwest and northern coast has its own ‘fishing area’. The range of each
local ‘fishing area’ is likely to be determined primarily by fuel cost incurred in reaching and returning
from the fishing grounds (for mechanised fishing craft), as well as the boundaries of local ‘fishing
grounds’ claimed by neighbouring villages or villages in adjacent districts. Local ‘fishing areas’ are
located 2 km to 10 km from an individual fishing community’s landing centre. It was evident that these
local ‘fishing areas’, although informal were recognised and adhered to by SLBSC fishing communities.
The traditional right to SLBSC from the fishery is thus shared among fishing communities, by means of
smaller ‘local fishing areas’ in the Palk Bay, Portugal Bay and Puttalam Lagoon.
6
Almost without exception individuals catching SLBSC are men, hence the use of the term fishermen throughout. Woman may
occasionally be boat owners, for example when husband has died during the conflict.
12
54) Fishing Season: SLBSC are present in the fishing area throughout the year in all four of the districts. The
duration of the ‘fishing season’ for SLBSC in any one area depends on the location of the individual
fishing community, the weather, the type of fishing gear used and economic returns from alternative
fisheries (see Alternative Fisheries below). The main fishing season for SLBSC starts as early as August in
Portugal Bay, the sheltered, northern tip of Puttalam Lagoon. In Jaffna District the fishing season starts
in September each year, while in Mannar and Kilinochchi districts October is the month when fishermen
focus their fishing effort on harvesting SLBSC. The peak fishing season occurs over a period of three to
four months in each location. March to June in Kalpitiya; January to April in Jaffna and November to
February in Mannar. The ‘fishing season’ ends in April, May or June, depending on the location. July,
August and September forms the core of the ‘offseason’ for the SLBSC fishery in all four districts.
55) The BSC fishing season is closely aligned with the strongly season weather patterns along the northwest
and coast of Sri Lanka. There are two main monsoons - the northeast monsoon (NEM) and the
southwest monsoon (SWM) – as well as two distinct two inter monsoon seasons associated with
convectional and depressional weather systems. The SLBSC fishery commences with the onset of the
second to the two inter monsoonal rains in October, which are caused by cyclonic depressional
meteorological processes in the Bay of Bengal. The SLBSC fishery continues throughout the NEM, which
begins in December and continues through to February every year. The peak fishing season is associated
with the end of the NEM and the commencement of the second inter monsoonal rains, which begin in
March each. The second inter monsoonal rains are the result of convectional meteorological processes.
The offseason is associated with the SWM rains in June, July and August. The SWM begins in the
southwest of the country and gradually travels up the western coast, but does not reach the core area
of the SLBSC fishery, off the north western coast.
56) The ‘offseason’ is likely to be a consequence of the calm weather systems off the northwest coast and
the fishermen’s use of nylon net to harvest SLBSC. As the turbidity of the water gradually declines after
the end of the second inter-monsoons, nylon nets becomes increasingly more visible to the SLBSC. As a
result the crabs are better able to avoid becoming entangled in the nets. The converse is true for the
start of the fishing season, as the turbidity of the sea increases with the onset of the second inter-
monsoon in October each year. Strong winds during the NEM hinder but to not prevent fishing activities
in December through to February. The relatively weaker weather systems associated with the second
inter monsoon enable fishermen to fish more frequently. The increased turbidity prevents SLBSC from
avoiding the fishermen’s nylon nets. One of several advantages of fishing with illegal monofilament gill
nets is that these nets are invisible to SLBSC when water turbidity is low. This greatly increases the
efficiency of illegal monofilament gears (see below).
58) Data describing the total number of fishing craft registered in the four districts was used to estimate the
total number of fishing craft engaged in the SLBSC fishery (see Table 3). The analysis suggests as many
as 7,000 fishing craft may be involved in the SLBSC fishery. As much as 80% to 90% of fishermen in
SLBSC fishing villages engage in the fishery during the peak fishing season. An analysis of landing site
specific boat registration details and fishing licences issued for crab fishing by the respective district
level offices of the DFAR, was not possible during the course of the assessment.
7
Oru and theppams are found in Portugal Bay and Puttalam Lagoon only
13
Table 3: The type and estimated number of fishing craft engaged in the SLBSC Fishery, by district
8
1454/33 – 2006 Monofilament Nets Prohibition Regulations Prohibiting the use, possession, import, transport, purchase
and sale of Monofilaments nets.
14
Table 4 Summary of the relationship between mesh size, crab size and markets
64) Monofilaments nets are a little less durable than nylon nets – two to three months compared to three
to four months for nylon nets – and have to be replaced more often. However, monofilament nets are
less expensive than nylon nets. According to fishermen less bycatch is caught using monofilament nets
compared to fishing with nylon nets and monofilament nets are also easier to clean. The higher
incidence of monofilament crab nets in Jaffna District can be partly explained by the fishing restrictions
that were in place during most of the recently concluded conflict. For long periods during the past 30
years, Jaffna fishermen were only permitted to fish between 6 am and 6 pm each day. The use of
monofilament nets during this period was the only means by which fishermen were able to harvest fish
during the daytime.
65) Political patronage also plays a part in the continued use of illegal monofilament nets in both Jaffna and
Puttalam districts. The assessment was conducted while provincial council elections were being held in
the Northern and North Western provinces. The DFAR was subjected to political pressure in both
districts, not to take action against fishermen using monofilament nets during the election period.
When free to dos so, newspaper reports over the past year highlight the actions taken by the DFAR
office in Puttalam, against the use of illegal monofilament nets. The DFAR office in Jaffna District has
also taken action prior to the provincial council election, to confiscate monofilament nets and arrest the
owners of illegal fishing gears.
15
66) SLBSC Production: The production data collected by the DFAR’s extension officers from the SLBSC
fishery does not discriminate between commercial crab species. Thus the annual crab production data
presented in Figure 2 below, includes not only SLBSC, but also the landings of other commercial crab
species in Sri Lanka, principally the mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) and the three spot swimming crab (P.
sanguinolentus). Despite these limitations, it is clear from DFAR’s data that the production of crabs in Sri
Lanka - including SLBSC - has increased considerably since 2008. The increase in crab production
coincides with the end of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka and the resurgence of the fishery sector in the
coastal districts that comprise the Northern Province (i.e., Mannar, Kilinochchi, Jaffna and Mullaitivu).
As SLBSC is the main crab species caught by fishermen in the Northern Province, there are reasonable
grounds to infer that the overall increase in national crab production is a consequence of increasing
catches of SLBSC.
Figure 2 Annual Sri Lankan crab production for all crab varieties
67) Production data from the four coastal districts that constitute the core geographical area of the SLBSC
fishery (i.e., Puttalam, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna), further underlines the growth of the SLBSC in the
northern districts (see Figure 3). Here too it should be noted that this data includes ‘all varieties of
crab’. The data collected by DFAR extension staff indicates that crab production has increased in all four
districts, with the largest increase taking place in Jaffna District. In 2009 crab production in Jaffna
District was 240t. In 2012 crab production increased to 4,630t: an increase of 1,829%. The
9
corresponding increases for Kilinochchi, Mannar and Puttalam were 146% , 162,000% and 198%
respectively.
68) The accuracy of the monthly statistical reports compiled by the DFAR’s extension staff, in the north and
nationwide, is a concern. Despite these concerns, the production data is at least indicative of a
considerable increase in crab production in off the northwest coast following the end of the civil conflict
in 2009.
9
2011 – 2012. No data was collected by DFAR from Kilinochchi in 2009 due to the security situation.
16
Figure 3 Comparative increases in crab production in four districts since 2009
69) Corroboration of the substantial increase in crab production can be found in the data compiled
independently by the Customs Department for export crab products (see Figure 4). According to export
destination data compiled by the Customs Department the crab fishery in Sri Lanka has increased by
165% in the three years following the end of the civil conflict. The value of crabs exported from Sri
Lanka increased from around LKR 1,000 million (US$ 7.75 million) in 2009 to LKR 1,560 million (US$
12.09 million) in 2011. The increase in value of crabs exported from Sri Lankan (56%) is widely attributed
10
to the increased catch and export of SLBSC .
Figure 4 Export destinations and value (LKRs) of crab exports 1990 to 2011
70) Oral testimonies of senior representatives of the fishing communities further substantiate the crab
fishery production data collected by the DFAR. In Kalpitiya (Puttalam District), the number of seafood
companies purchasing SLBSC was observed to have increased considerably over the past 25 years.
Earlier only one collecting centre was present in Kalpitiya and only one or two seafood companies were
directly buying SLBSC. Now there are more than eight collecting centres and a dozen or more seafood
companies are directly involved purchasing SLBSC.
10
The monthly Customs Reports compiled by the Department of Customs make no distinction between crab species. The mud crab Scylla
serrata and the three spot swimming crab P. sanguinolentus are the other two main crab species caught / exported in Sri Lanka.
17
71) Over the last ten years the number of fishermen and fishing effort was perceived to have increased in
Puttalam District. Although the total production is perceived to have increased, fishing communities
expressed concern that the catch per boat has declined. There is also a perception of a downward shift
in the size of SLBSC caught. According to local fishermen and traders, ten years ago most SLBSC caught
were large crab (>200g). Now the majority of SLBSC caught are medium crabs (150 g – 199g).
72) Changes in the SLBSC fishery in Mannar District have happened more recently. Only five years ago
fishermen regularly used a stick to break the legs and claws of SLBSC entangled in their nets. At the time
there was no dedicated fishery for SLBSC, which were part of the bycatch from various coastal finfish
fisheries. As recently as 2008 there was no commercial demand for SLBSC. SLBSC were and are still
viewed as “poor peoples’ food”. SLBSC are eaten locally, with only weak demand from regional or
national markets. SLBSC are not a popular seafood product in Sri Lanka.
73) The national market for SLBSC is limited to hotels, targeting foreigners and middle class Sri Lankans. In
Mannar District fishermen have switched to SLBSC fishing due to strong export demand for SLBSC from
seafood companies. Before the arrival of the seafood companies, a kilo of very large SLBSC (>400g) was
1 1
LKR200.00 kg (US$1.52). Now the wholesale prices is above LKR500.00 kg (US$3.81) for large SLBSC
(>200g). Very large SLBSC (>400g) are still regularly caught in by fishermen in Mannar District, although
there is no premium price for very large crabs.
74) The rapid increase and continuing strong demand from seafood companies is a key factor driving the
expansion of the SLBSC fishery in Kilinochchi District and in Jaffna District. Elder fishermen in both
districts related how as little as four years ago they would curse the sight of shoals of SLBSC. Nets would
be hauled and reset elsewhere and crabs would be beaten from the nets at sea because there was no
market for SLBSC in either district. As was the case in Mannar District, there was no dedicated fishery
for SLBSC in either district prior to the end of the conflict (2009). In contrast to less than five years ago,
now when fishermen sight a shoal of SLBSC they are pleased. When the net are hauled fishermen are
careful when removing the crabs and are mindful to keep them alive.
75) The purchasing price offered by seafood companies is the driving factor behind the change in
fishermen’s attitude and behaviour towards SLBSC. Before the arrival of the seafood companies the
local wholesale prices for a kilo of large SLBSC was LKR30.00 (US$0.23) in Jaffna and LKR5.00 (US$0.04)
1
per crab in Kilinochchi. The same crabs are now sold for LKR500 to LKR600 kg (US$3.81 – US$4.57).
76) Elder fishermen did not report any changes in the size of SLBSC that are currently being caught in Jaffna
District. Very large crabs (>400g) are still regularly harvested from the fishery. In Kilinochchi District
some concerns were raised regarding the prospect of declining catches, now and in the future, if action
is not taken to improve certain aspects of the fishery such as harvesting small crabs (<100g) and female
crabs with eggs.
77) Externalities: The lagoon and near shore stake net fishery for prawns (Puthi Velai / Kattu Del); illegal
trawling by Indian and Sri Lankan trawlers and irregular migration by fishermen from coastal
communities are the key external issues affecting the SLBSC fishery, in the four districts covered by the
assessment.
78) Stake Net Fishing: The prawn stake net fishery is the dominant fishery in Jaffna Lagoon and is common
in shallow waters around along the entire length of the Sri Lankan shoreline of the Palk Bay. It is a
concern to the SLBSC fishery because of the retained bycatch of very small SLBSC (< 80g) from the stake
1
net fishery. Very small SLBSC are sold by stake net fishermen to local vendors for LKR50.00 kg
1
(US$0.38). Local traders retail the very small SLBSC for around LKR 150 kg (US$1.14) to poor consumers
in the surrounding villages. Although stake net fishing has been banned by the local authorities in
Puttalam Lagoon and Portugal Bay (Puttalam District), it is the dominant fishery in shallow, inshore
areas in Mannar, Kilinochchi or Jaffna. The catch and bycatch of the stake net fishery is landed live, thus
inviting the opportunity for ‘voluntary return’. However, the economic costs incurred by stake net
fishery are highly likely to militate against this option.
18
79) Indian Trawlers: The maritime agreement signed
between GOSL and the Government of India (GOI)
in 1974, demarcates the International Maritime
Boundary Line (IMBL) between the two countries
in the Palk Bay (see right). The agreement states
that each country shall have sovereignty and
exclusive jurisdiction and control over the waters,
the islands, the continental shelf and sub soil
thereof, falling on its own side of the aforesaid
boundary (Article 4). Acknowledging the historic
use of the Palk Bay and Islands, notably
Kachchativu, by fishermen from south India and
northern Sri Lanka, the agreement ensures that
Indian fishermen and pilgrims will enjoy access to
visit Kachchativu as hitherto, and will not be
required by Sri Lanka to obtain travel documents
or visas for these purposes (Article 5). The
agreement goes on to stipulate that the vessels of
India and Sri Lanka will enjoy in each other’s
waters such rights as they have traditionally
enjoyed therein (Article 6).
80) Illegal fishing by Indian fishermen, in the Sri Lankan half of the Palk Bay has been an issue between the
two countries since the Palk Bay were officially partitioned in 1974. South Indian trawlers owners, of
which there are more than 2,000 harboured in Nagapatinam, Kodikarai, Thondi, Rameshwaram and
Pampan, continue to claim that they have a right to fish on the Sri Lankan side of the IMBL. Throughout
the civil conflict, control of the Sri Lankan side of the Palk Bay was highly contested by the government’s
security forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Indian trawlers took advantage of the
inability of the GOSL to effective patrol the area and the restrictions placed on Sri Lankan fishermen
during the civil conflict. Sri Lankan fishermen were confined to fishing between 6 am and 6 pm.
81) An agreement reached between small scale Indian fishermen and Indian trawler owners, currently
restricts Indian trawlers to operating for only three nights per week on both sides of the IMBL: Monday,
Wednesday and Saturday. When they cross over into Sri Lankan waters, the much larger Indian
trawlers, towing heavy bottom trawls, destroy northern Sri Lankan fishermen’s much lighter fishing
gears. The Indian trawlers also represent a very real threat to the safety Sri Lankan fishing boats.
82) Following the end of the conflict, northern Sri Lankan fishermen have become more vocal in disputing
the legal right of Indian trawlers to fish on the Sri Lanka side of the Palk Bay. Recently a number of
articles have appeared in the Sri Lankan press, advocating for the right of northern Sri Lankan to fish
freely in Sri Lankan waters of the Palk Bay The GOSL has also stepped up direct action against Indian
trawlers caught fishing in Sri Lankan waters in the Palk Bay. Since 2009, hundreds of Indian fishermen
have been arrested and their boats impounded by the GOSL.
83) Illegal fishing by Indian trawlers, which target mainly prawns and sea cucumbers, is the most serious
external issue affecting the SLBSC fishery. Bottom trawling causes widespread damage and destruction
to the marine ecosystem and generates enormous amounts of bycatch, the majority of which is
discarded by Indian fishermen. SLBSC are also harvested by Indian trawlers and landed in south India.
Concerns about the extent of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) (Pramod, G., 2010) are
beginning to be associated with the fishing activities of Indian trawlers in Sri Lankan waters of the Palk
Bay.
19
84) Sri Lankan Trawlers: Bottom trawling in Sri Lanka is prohibited by the MFAR, in accordance with
paragraphs 31 and Paragraph 32 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1997. The Act entitles the
Minister to ban or limit any fishing activity that is deemed to be detrimental to the marine ecosystem or
11
the livelihoods of fishing communities, on the advice of the Advisory Committee to the Minister .
85) Ttrawling for resource that are then exported is also prohibited under Regulation No. 4. of the Fishing
(Import & Export Regulations (2010 1665/16). The Act states that “no person shall engage in any
dredging at the sea bed or undertake trawling operations within Sri Lankan Waters in relation to any
activities specified in this regulation for which a fishing operating licence has been issued”.
86) In accordance with the directive of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the regulation
cited above, the DFAR does not issue boat or fishing licences for bottom trawling in Sri Lanka. The
operation of Sri Lankan trawlers and the use of bottom trawls is thus illegal.
89) Migration: Migration by fishermen and women from coastal communities along the northwest coast, is
also an external factor affected the SLBSC fishery. Regular and irregular migration from the north, by
people seeking political asylum, has been a persistent feature throughout the 30 year long civil conflict
in Sri Lanka. There are now large expatriate Sri Lankan communities, both Sinhalese and Tamil, in
Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland. Since the end of the conflict there has
been a rise in irregular migration to Australia, on aboard Sri Lankan multiday fishing boats. In 2011 over
5,000 people were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, onboard multiday boats heading for Australia. More
1,300 Sri Lankans, Sinhalese and Tamils, had reached Australia and claimed asylum, as of July 2013.
90) 40 fishermen from Jaffna had been arrested off the southern coast of Galle, in the week prior to the
field survey in Jaffna District. Representatives of fishing communities and reports in the press suggest
that the motivation for undertaking irregular migration is primarily economic, regardless of the risks
involved. Despite the economic recovery associated with the end of the civil conflict, fishing
communities are well positioned to engage with agents in the fishery sector, who continue to promote
irregular migration as viable way out of social and financial hardships faced by fishing households in the
north west of Sri Lanka.
11
pers., com. Nuwan Gunewardena, Assistant Director, Fishing Industries Division, DFAR
20
91) Alternative Fisheries: Fishermen in all four districts are not solely dependent on the SLBSC fishery for
their livelihoods. Other economically important fisheries include jacks and trevallies (carangids), Indian
Mackerel (scombroids), prawns and cuttlefish, needlefish (Belondae), silverbiddies (Gerres spp.,)
rabbitfish (Signathus spp.,) emperor fish (Letherinds), mullet, sardinellas and trenched sardines. SLBSC
fishermen switch gears and fisheries throughout the year, depending on the availability and wholesale
value of different fisheries.
c. Social Profile
92) The social profile of the SLBSC fishery includes an overview of the fishing communities engaged in the
exploitation of the SLBCs and the organisation of fishermen and women at the village, divisional, district
and national level. The social profile also examines the role of women in the SLBSC fishery and draws
attention to the key issue of indebtedness faced by fishing communities and the role played by
investment made by traders and seafood companies in individual SLBSC fishery operations.
93) Fishing Communities: Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim fishing communities are engaged in the exploitation
of SLBSC off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka. Fishermen representing all three communities are present
in Kalpitiya and Wannathawiluwa (Puttalam District). Tamil and Muslim communities are found in
Mannar and Kilinochchi districts. In Jaffna District the fishing community is exclusively of Tamil origin, as
th
a result of the LTTE’s forced expulsion of almost 30,000 Muslims from Jaffna District on 15 October
1993. Following the end of the conflict, Muslim households have begun to return to their villages on
peninsular.
94) An analysis of the consolidated data provided by the Statistical Unit of the MFAR suggests that as many
as 20,000 fishing household may be dependent on the SLBSC fishery in the four the districts. Detailed
district and divisional data are available with the DFAR offices at the district level and with the MFAR in
Colombo. The Consultant was unable to obtain and analyse these data due to administrative procedures
and the timeframe of the assessment.
97) District level Fishermen Cooperative Society Unions (FCSU) represent the interests of fishermen and
women at the district level. FCSU are present in Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts.
21
98) RFOs fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the MFAR. RFO were established by the MFAR in 2008,
however a legislative framework, gazette notification and regulation under the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resource Act has yet to be formulated regularising RFO. District Fishermen’s Federations (DFF)
represent the interests of fishermen and women who are members of RFO at the district level. RFO
were present in all fishing villages in the four districts visited during the assessment. DFF have been
formed and presidents appointed in the four districts.
99) Often fishermen and women are members of both the village FCS and the RFO. The relationship
between the FCSU and DFF was cordial in Mannar District and Kilinochchi District, but less so in Jaffna
District.
100) Women & the SLBSC Fishery: Women feature prominently on two areas of the SLBSC fishery: post
harvest processing and net cleaning. Women’s main role in the SLBSC fishery is as daily or permanent
employees with seafood companies processing SLBSC and other seafood products. Around 80% of the
daily and permanent employees in seafood companies are women. Women are involved in the more
pricewise food handling aspects of processing seafood products. Male employees are more likely to be
involved in heavy lifting, packing, freezing and loading activities. Management and administrative staff
make up around 5% of seafood company employees. Men and women are equally represented in
management and administrative positions.
101) The number and type (i.e., daily or permanent) of staff employed by seafood companies varies
considerably depending on the portfolio of seafood products processed by the company. Seafood
companies that process a more diverse range of products are likely to employ more permanent staff,
compared to seafood companies focusing on only two or three products. 30% to 60% of women
employed in seafood companies processing a variety of seafood products are likely to be permanent
staff, compared to 10% to 20% in seafood companies specialising in two or three products.
102) The five leading SLBSC seafood processing companies (see Section d. Economic Profile below) employ
12
between 100 – 500 staff . Another ten to fifteen companies buy and process SLBSC intermittently.
Only one of the five leading SLBSC seafood processing companies has processing facilities located in the
Northern Province. This company employs up to 450 daily or permanent employees, from coastal village
in the proximity of the SLBSC resource.
103) All permanent staff employed by seafood companies are enrolled in the GOSL’s main social security
scheme, the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) and Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). Several seafood
companies have also enrolled daily workers in the EPF and the ETF scheme. However, not all daily
workers engaged in processing SLBSC receive these benefits.
104) The relatively high prevalence of daily workers in the seafood industry reflects the uncertainty of the
raw material. The strong seasonality associated with the SLBSC fishery and the fishery sector per se; the
unpredictability of the weather and competition for SLBSC raw material means that the amount of
SLBSC purchased can change quickly, during a short period of time. This unpredictability of raw
materials necessitates a certain measure of flexibility on the part of the workforce engaged in
processing SLBSC.
105) Permanent employees are paid a fixed month salary, often with various production and time bonuses.
Daily workers are paid either a fixed daily rate or per piece. The piece rate is usually based on the
amount of SLBSC processed per day. Salaries of both permanent and daily employees are paid monthly.
106) Working hours are either set (8 to 9 hours per day) or flexible, depending on the seafood company
concerned. All working hours include breaks for tea and lunch. Free transport is often provided for daily
and permanent workers, to bring them from their villages to the processing factory. No indication of
overtime payments being paid was observed. Contracts for employees were also not observed in some
instances, even for management and administrative staff.
12
Staff are eengaged in processing other types of seafood products, not only SLBSC.
22
107) Regulation and food safety issues associated with the seafood sector in Sri Lanka is undertaken by
Fishery Product Quality and Control Division of the DFAR, under the MFAR. Regulations and safety
issues are implemented in accordance with the directives set out in the Fisheries & Aquatic Resource
Act (1996) and subsequent amendments thereof (Box A)
108) Staff from the Fishery Product Quality and Control Division of the DFAR inspect seafood processing
facilities every four months. The Fishery Product Quality and Control Division is the primary regulatory
authority for ensuring compliance with European Union Standards. The Sri Lankan Standards Institute is
the secondary regulatory authority for all seafood quality control parameters including CODEX Hazard
Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) for food safety. HACCP must also comply with the Sri Lankan
Food & Drink Administration compliance standards. At the local level, mini processing factories are
checked and certified by Public Health Inspectors of the Divisional Secretariat and or Pradeshya Sabha
and the Environmental Division of the District Secretary.
109) In view of the stringent food safety standards applied to all seafood processing facilities in Sri Lanka,
daily and permanent employees engaged in processing SLBSC receive both intensive and extensive
training on personal health and hygiene. These include company medical checks, sanitation, handing
dipping, chlorination and the use of sanitizers. Several seafood companies provide daily and permanent
employees with uniforms, boots and hair nets and separate changing facilities for male and female staff.
Box A: Regulations regarding Food Safety Issues Associated with the Seafood Sector in Sri Lanka
Fish Processing Establishment 2003 Making it compulsory for those who operate
Regulations No. 1 1320/17 fish processing establishments to acquire a
license from the DG of fisheries and aquatic
resources.
The Fishing (Import & Export) 2010 Requiring a license for persons who wish to
Regulations 1665/16 collect, harvest, take, fish products or aquatic
resources for import or export purposes.
110) Indebtedness: High levels of indebtedness incurred by fishing communities and the consequences of
investments made by traders and seafood companies in individual SLBSC fishery operations, was a
recurrent social issue in all four districts. According to ongoing research by a the Centre for Poverty
Analysis (CEPA), 75% of fishing households in the north have some form of debt, of which 50% was
derived from informal lenders, their employer or other family members. Concerns about the absence of
savings and or the reluctance of fishermen to regularly save a portion of their income were common in
all four districts.
23
111) Allied to this observation, fishermen and fishing households were often held to blame for their
dependency on informal credit obtained from fish traders and seafood companies. Informal loans form
fish traders or seafood companies are used to pre-finance the purchase of fishing gear at the
commencement of a new fishing season. Informal loans are also used to meet expenses such as
religious ceremonies and social celebrations and to meet unexpected situations such as illness and
bereavement.
112) The positive aspects of readily available informal credit and investments in fishing operations by fish
traders and seafood companies were broadly appreciated, the resulting bond between fishermen and
fish trader, often going back generations, was often perceived as being detrimental to the long term
financial interests of the fishermen. In Jaffna for instance, it was estimated that less than 10% of
fishermen were ‘independent’ operators: free of any financial obligations or bonds with fish traders or
seafood companies. Only independent fishermen are free to sell their catch to the buyer offering the
highest price each day.
d. Economic Profile
113) The economic profile of the SLBSC fishery is derived from qualitative and semi quantitative data
describing the daily catch of SLBSC; fishermen’s expense related to SLBSC fishing operations; the
structure and function of the supply chain for SLBSC; the grading systems used by traders and seafood
companies and data describing crab products exported by Sri Lankan seafood companies.
114) Daily Catch: An average day’s crab fishing, during the six to eight months of the crab fishing season
yields around 20 kg to 40 kg of SLBSC per boat per day, for an FRP fishing craft operating five sets of
crab nets, with each set containing 10 net pieces. During the peak fishing season, the average daily
catch increases to 50 kg to 70 kg per boat per day, with catches of over 100 kg not uncommon among
fishermen targeting SLBSC in deeper waters closer to the IMBL. Catches of around 150 kg to 180 kg per
boat per day are considered exceptional. During the offseason the daily catch falls below 20 kg per boat
per day, to around 5kg to 15kg per boat per day and can be as low as 2 kg to 5 kg in some locations.
SLBSC are present in the fishery area throughout the year, but fishermen are unable to catch SLBSC
when the sea is calm and the water clears, most likely because the crabs are able to avoid the nylon
nets.
115) Daily Income: No attempt was made to collect information on fishermen’s daily income during the field
survey, because it is notoriously difficult to collect accurate information about individual incomes by
directly asking anyone what they earn. Daily income was calculated indirectly by assuming that the
average price paid per kg of SLBSC is LKR 300.00 (see Grading Systems below). According to this
assumption fishermen’s daily income range from LKR 6,000.00 to LKR 12,000.00 during the fishing
season, increasing to LKR 15,000.00 to LKR21,000.00 during the peak fishing season. Daily incomes of
LKR 30,000.00 are not uncommon. An exceptional day’s fishing would net a boat owner in excess of LKR
45,000.00 for a night’s fishing. During the offseason daily income from SLBSC fishing falls to as little as
LKR 600.00 to LKR 4,500.00 per boat per day.
116) Fishing Expenditure: The cost of a single fishing trip depends on the type of craft used and the distance
travelled to the fishing grounds. No expenditure is incurred by non mechanised traditional craft (i.e.,
oru, theppam, vallams) fishing 2 km to 3 km from the shore. Expenditure on fuel by mechanised
traditional and FRP fishing craft ranges from LKR 2,000.00 to LKR 5,400.00 per fishing trip, with each
fishing trip consuming 15 l to 40 l of kerosene and oil, at LKR 130 to LKR 135 per litre to reach fishing
ground 6 km to 20 km from the landing centre.
24
117) Boat owners incur the additional daily cost of hiring fishworkers, at the rate of LKR 1,000.00 per day,
which increases the cost of the fishing operation by LKR 2,000.00, if the boat owner does not engage in
fishing. SLBSC fishing craft are operated by a fishermen and fishworker or by two fishworkers. The
average cost of a single fishing trip, for mechanised SLBSC fishing craft, is thus in the region of LKR
3,000.00 to LKR 7,500.00 per day.
118) The cost of a set of 4½” nylon crab nets (i.e., 50 pieces of net, stitched into two or more ‘sub sets’) is
around LKR 80,000.00. A further LKR 20,000.00 is required to purchase poles, flags, weights and
anchors. The life time of a nylon crab net set is around two to three months. Fishermen and boat
owners expect to purchase a minimum of two crab net sets per season. A new FRP fishing craft retails
for about LKR 150,000.00 and a similar amount or slightly more is required to purchase a new 8.8 hp or
9 hp outboard motor. The total investment required to commence SLBSC fishing, using a mechanised
FRP craft is around LKR 450,000.00.
119) The Supply Chain: A summary of the overall analysis of the value chain for the marine fisheries supply
sector in Sri Lanka, conducted by USAID in 2008 is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 Sri Lanka Marine Fisheries Value Chain Map (USAID 2008)
25
120) The structure of the local, national and international supply chain for SLBSC is shown schematically in
Figure 6. The supply chain is initially dependent on a discrimination based on crab size. All crabs
weighing less than 80 g and some crabs weighting less than 100g are sold to wholesale traders and
retailers (motorcycle or bicycle vendors) who supply the local (i.e., district level) and regional markets
for small sized SLBSC. These markets are mainly Tamil populations in hill country towns, as well as in
Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and in Colombo. Bycatch from the stake net fishery and Sri Lankan
bottom trawlers are important sources of very small crabs for the local market. SLBSC weighing more
than 80g enter the national (i.e., Colombo) and international market (see Figure 6a).
121) The structure of the national and international supply chain for SLBSC for small, medium and large crabs
comprises direct and indirect supply chains. Direct supply chains link fishermen with seafood
companies, through collecting centres established by the seafood companies at the district level.
Indirectly SLBSC caught by fishermen are sold to seafood companies through local traders. Local traders
may in turn use mini collectors to aggregated catches, before selling these on to seafood companies.
Traders may have either single or multiple trading relationships with seafood companies. Fishermen
may also sell their catch to fishermen’s organisations, which in turn sell the catch to seafood companies.
The supply chains for SLBSC are different in each district, with the relative importance of the direct and
indirect supply chains varying according to district.
122) The demand for SLBSC from seafood companies is driven entirely by international demand for SLBSC
products. The national market for SLBSC is extremely small. It is restricted to a small number of top class
hotels and restaurants and a very small number of Sri Lankan consumers. As a consequence, the
national market supply chain – from local traders to hotels, restaurants and Sri Lankan consumers - is
not consider further in this report.
123) The largest number of seafood company owned collecting centres - 8 to 10 – was present in Kalpitiya.
Each collecting centre purchasing SLBSC directly from fishermen and boat owners. In Mannar, two or
three seafood companies operate collecting centres for seafood, including SLBSC. No collecting centres
have been established by seafood companies in Kilinochchi District and only one company was observed
to have set up a collecting centre in Jaffna District.
124) Two local traders are responsible for the bulk of SLBSC purchasing in Jaffna District. The two traders
supply raw material to several seafood companies. The two main local traders in Jaffna District also
purchase SLBSC from fishermen and boat owners in Kilinochchi District. In Mannar District, two local
traders are responsible for purchasing for the bulk of SLBSC purchasing in the district. The two traders in
Mannar District supply raw material to several seafood companies. In Kalpitiya five or six local traders,
together with as many as 20 mini suppliers purchase SLBSC from fishermen and boat owners. In
Kilinochchi District, the FCS in Irainamadanagar purchases SLBSC from its members and supplies crab to
a single seafood company
125) The Supply Chain – Local Traders: Local traders operating in all four districts establish their trading
relationship with individual fishermen and boat owners by means of a financial bond. The bond is a
form of advance given to the fishermen or boat owner. It can also be seen as an investment made by
the local trader into the fishing operation of the fishermen or boat owner concerned. At another level
the payment of a bond between a fisherman or boat owner and a local trader may be viewed as
financial obligation on the part of the local trader, in order to secure the right to purchase fish from the
fishermen or boat owner concerned.
26
Figure 6 Schematic representation of supply chains for small, very small and very very small SLBSCs
13
a. Small, Very Small and Very Very Small Crabs
14
b. Very Large, Large, Medium, Small and Very Small Crabs
Company A Importer X
Local Company B Importer Y
a
Trader Company C Importer Z
Indirect Supply I Company D Importer U
SLBSC Fishermen
Mini Trader Company A Importer X
Local
b Mini Trader Company B Importer Y
Trader
Mini Trader Company C Importer Z
Local Company D
a Importer U
Trader
Indirect Supply II
SLBSC Fishermen Mini Trader Company E
Local
b Mini Trader Importer V
Trader
Mini Trader
13
See Table 7 for definitions of small, very small and very very small SLBSC.
14
See Table 7 for definitions of very large, large, medium, small and very small SLBSC
27
126) A typical bond would is likely to be in the
region of LKR 100,000.00 to LKR 150,000.00.
Due to the bond, the fisherman or boat owner
undertakes to sell the catch to the trader. The
bond between fisherman / boat owner and a
local trader is life-long and may be
generational. Fishermen who had been
displaced due to the conflict and then
returned to recommence fishing were still
‘bonded’ to their local trader, despite having
lost all their assets during displacement.
127) No interest accrues on the bond paid by traders to fishermen / boat owners. In order for a fisherman /
boat owner to sell his catch to another trader, the original bond must first be repaid. It was estimated
that as many as 80% to 90% of fishermen are bonded to local traders in Jaffna District.
128) The personal bond between fisherman or boat owner and trader is different from seasonal loans taken
by fishermen or boat owners from fish traders. Seasonal loans taken at the start of the fishing season to
buy fishing gear or during the fishing season to purchase new nets (or replace fishing gear damaged,
lost or stolen) vary from LKR 100,000.00 to up to LKR 1,000,000.00.
129) Seasonal loans are repaid by the fishermen / boat owners by means of deductions made by the local
trader when purchasing the day’s catch. LKR 20.00 to LKR 30.00 per kilo may be deducted daily from the
day’s catch, depending on the amount of seasonal debt outstanding. Interest is paid by fishermen and
boat owners on seasonal loans taken from local traders to purchase fishing gear and other inputs.
130) The daily price per kilo for SLBSC (see Grading System below) is determined by the seafood companies
purchasing SLBSC from the local traders. Local traders deduct between LK 10.00 to LKR 20.00 per kilo
from the price set by the seafood companies as their commission, when setting the wholesale
purchasing price for SLBSC from fishermen and boat owners. The commission taken by local traders is
between 3% and 7% per kilo, depending on the size of the crab and the amount deducted.
131) No data or information was available describing the basis of the relationship between fishermen and
boat owners who sell their catch directly to collecting centres operated by seafood companies how
these companies are able to guarantee their supply of SLBSC, from the fishermen and boat owners who
sell to them? Possible options include the payment of a bond between the fisherman or boat owner and
the seafood company concerned and or the provision of seasonal loans. A further financial incentive
may be the higher prices paid to fishermen and boat owners who sell their catch directly to seafood
company collecting centres, as no deductions are made by local traders. The advantage for seafood
companies of dealing directly with fishermen and boat owners is that the companies are better able to
ensure the quality of the SLBSC purchased by fishermen and boat owners
132) The Supply Chain - Seafood Companies: Aplex Marine, Ceylon Foods, North Western, P N Fernando,
Prawn Ceylon and Taprobane Seafood are the five principal seafood companies engaged in purchasing
SLBSC, either directly from fishermen and boat owners or indirectly through local traders (See Table
15
5) . Another four or five smaller companies, together with perhaps 10 to 20 individual small scale
exporters, also purchase SLBSC for export, from the four districts covered by the assessment.
15
Phillips Foods Lanka was briefly part of the SLBSC supply chain, but the company ceased operations and withdrew from Sri Lanka prior to
commencement of the Assessment
28
Table 5 Key Seafood Companies Purchasing, Processing and Exporting SLBSC
133) Out of the five leading SLBSC exporting seafood companies, only one has established processing centres
in the Northern Province. Taprobane Seafood operates two processing centres, one in Mannar District
and on in Jaffna District. Taprobane Seafood is also currently the private sector partner of crab
processing centre owned by Irainamadanagar FCS in Kilinochchi District. All four of the other leading
SLBSC exporting seafood companies transport SLBSC from the north to processing centre in Puttalam
(North Western Province) or Gampaha District (Western Province).
134) Crab Products: SLBSC are exported by seafood companies as fresh, frozen and canned products. Fresh
crab is either exported as ‘head on’ or ‘cut crab’ products. Cut crabs are processed by removing the top
shell, guts and gills. The cut crab is then brushed clean and cut into two sections. The majority of fresh
crabs exported are male, because only the male SLBSC is blue. Fresh crabs are exported on ice at
temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C. Fresh crab has a shelf life of a few days. All exported frozen crab
16
is cut crab. Frozen crabs are frozen to – 40°C and packed in 1 lb boxes and 12 lb cartons .
136) Wholesale Price: The purchasing price paid to fishermen and boat owners by seafood companies, either
directly through seafood company owned collecting centres or indirectly through local traders, varies
throughout the season and from company to company. The wholesale purchasing price offered to
fishermen and boat owners on any given day, is the result of a series calculations and assumptions,
available only to the directors and senior managers of the respective seafood companies.
16
For the USA only?
29
137) The wholesale buying price set by each seafood company undergoes a series of mini adjustments as it
passes through one or more local trader, before it becomes the wholesale price offered to the
fisherman or boat owner. The final wholesale prices paid to the fishermen or boat owner dependent on
the bond and seasonal loans owed by the fishermen or boat owner to the local fish trader.
138) As a general rule, seafood companies exporting fresh crab products offer a higher price for SLBSC than
do seafood companies purchasing crabs for frozen crab products. Although seafood companies
exporting canned crab products are unable to compete with fresh and frozen crab exporters on price,
particularly during the offseason, canned crab product exports have an advantage in terms of handling
17
large volumes of crab . Canned crab exporters are thus able to offer to purchase large volumes of crab
at higher prices during the peak season, when demand for fresh and or frozen crab is less than the
supply of raw material.
139) Two more ‘general rules’ for setting the wholesale price of SLBSC are as follows: the price paid for large
crabs is higher than that for small crabs and that the purchasing price for large males is higher than that
18
for large females . To complicate matters further, each of the leading SLBSC exporting seafood
companies has its own wholesale pricing index and grading system. A summary of the wholesale price
indices and grading systems used by different seafood companies and local traders to purchase SLBSC
from fishermen, boat owners and local traders is given in Table 6.
Table 6 Grading systems, weight and prices paid for SLBSC in during the field survey
Weight Range (g) Price Range (LKR / kg) Price Range (US$ / kg)
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Grade
Very Large >250 g 700.00 700.00 5.38 5.38
Large Male 200g 249g 500.00 690.00 3.85 5.31
Medium 150 g 199g 300.00 420.00 2.31 3.23
Small 100 g 149g 150.00 200.00 1.15 1.54
Very Small 80g 99g 100.00 100.00 0.77 0.77
Very Very Small 50g 79g 50.00 80.00 0.38 0.62
140) Demand: Demand from seafood companies is driven by the international demand for SLBSC products.
As was noted above, the SLBSC is a new fishery in Sri Lanka. Until very recently fishermen in the north
did not fish directly for SLBSC, which were considered a nuisance or a menace if they became entangled
in fishermen’s nets. The growth of the SLBSC fishery is a consequence of the end of the civil conflict in
Sri Lanka - and with it the lifting of fishing restrictions and increased access for seafood companies to
northern seafood resources - coupled with the strong international demand for SLBSC product (see
export destinations in the next section).
141) Different SLBSC products demand different grades of SLBSC. In general only very large, large and
medium crabs are exported by seafood companies as ‘head on’’ and ‘cut’ fresh crab products. Large,
medium and small sized crabs are purchased by seafood companies exporting both frozen ‘cut’ crabs
and canned crab products. The demand for small sized ‘cut’ frozen crabs is much less than for large and
medium ‘cut’ frozen crabs.
142) Seafood companies exporting canned crab will purchase all sizes crab, including small and very small
crabs. However, as crab size decreases, the operating efficiency of workers picking crab meat for canned
crab products declines. So, while the lack of competition to purchase small and very small crabs may be
a bonus for seafood companies exporting canned products, additional labour costs are incurred in
processing compared to the same weight of medium, large or very large crabs.
17
because of the shelf life of their product
18
due to the presence of eggs and ovaries
30
143) Export Destinations: As noted elsewhere in this assessment report, the data collected by the
Department of Customs for Sri Lankan crab exports does not discriminate between the three main
export species (i.e., P. pelagicus, S. Serrata and P. sanguinolentus). According to representatives of
seafood companies exporting crab products, the main species exported is the SLBSC. Between January
2011 and March 2012 seafood companies exported 2,842. 21 t of crab, with a value of LKR 2,220 million
(US$ 17.35 million) to 31 countries (see Table 07).
144) According to the Department of Customs the average export price of a kilo of crab was LKR 865.58
(US$6.65) for fresh crabs; LKR 751.61 (US$5.78) for frozen crab and LKR 568.08 (US$4.36) for crab
neither fresh nor frozen. The overall average exported export price for a kilo of crab was LKR 781.42
(US$ 6.10), between January 2011 and March 2012.
Table 7 Export destinations for SLBSC products January 2011 to March 2012
31
145) The leading market for Sri Lankan crabs was Singapore (37.20%), which imported roughly equal
amounts of frozen (452.81 t) and live or chilled crabs (519.05 t). The USA was the second largest export
destination for Sri Lankan crab products, importing 730.33 t, equivalent to 27.58% of the total crab
exported during the period. Ten other countries accounted for a further 28.67% of Sri Lankan crab
exports: Canada (8.34%), United Kingdom (5.31%), Taiwan (3.79%), Korea (3.83%), Netherlands (2.76%),
Switzerland (2.70%), Hong Kong (2.20%), Japan (1.77%) and China (1.77%). According to data complied
by the Customs Department, frozen crab is the main Sri Lankan export crab product, accounting for over
two thirds of the export volume by weight and value (see Figure 7).
Figure 7 Relative contributions of crab products to total exports by weight (kg) and value (LKR)
146) Figure 8 shows the monthly export data for crab products between January 2011 and March 2012. The
data suggests that the peak season for crab exports during this period, for both frozen crab and live and
chilled crab products, was November 2011. Exports of frozen crabs were relatively higher in May, June
and July of the same year.
Figure 8 Relative Contributions of Crab Export Products, by Weight (kg) and Value (LKR)
32
e. The Ecology of the SLBSC Fishery
147) No data or information, either published or unpublished, is available describing the retained or
discarded bycatch from the bottom-set gill net fishery for SLBSC. Chitravadivelu’s 1993 paper describes
the traditional box trap fishery (Parik Koodu) in Jaffna Lagoon. Unpublished papers by Sivanathnan, S.,
& de Croos M. D. S. T. (2013) and Nadaraja, T. describe the bottom-set gill net fishery, but neither study
addresses the issue of fishery bycatch.
33
Table 8 Marine fauna and flora observed or reportedly caught in bottom-set gill nets, together
with observations on endangered, threatened and protected species
Finfish
Amblygaster sirm
Sardinellas Sardinella albella Sudai Salaya Retained
Invertebrates
Mulluscs
Common – Kalpitiya
Woodcock Murex Murex scolopax - -
Retained or Discarded
Common – Kalpitiya
Spider Conch Lambis chiragra - -
Discarded
Spiral Melongena Pugilina cochidium - - Discarded
Common
Chank Turbinella pyrum Kalanda -
Retained
Other Bivalves - - -
Gafrarium tumidum
Cockles - - Retained
Andra antiquate
Common – Kalpitiya
Windowpane oyster Placina placenta - -
Discarded
Crustaceans
Other Crab Species - - Common
Slipper lobster Scyllaridae - - -
Crab with a Cross On - - Common
Echinoderms
Starfish - - - Rare
Sea Urchin - - - Rare
34
Common Name Latin Tamil Sinhala Notes
ETP Species
Kalpitiya Only.
Sea Cows Dugong dugon - Mudu Ura
Not caught in bycatch
Indo-Pacific
Sousa chineusis Kalpitiya Only
Humpbacked Dolphin Kadal Puni -
Not caught in bycatch
Spinner Dolphin Stennella longirostris
Green Turtle Chelanis mydas Very Rare. Released Alive
Turtles are protected
Hawksbill Turtle Eretriochelys imbricota
species. Regulation is
- Kesbewa enforced. Hawksbill turtles
Olive Ridley Turtle Ledidochelys olivacea have been known to feed
on BSC
Potai pambu Valaikkadia;
4 species Rare - Small mesh nets
Sea Snakes Kadal sarai Badakaha
Hydrophidae only
Nalla waliki pam Mudhu Naya
Rare. Retained
Sharks Elasmobranchs Sura Mora
Small Sharks Only
35
f. Management of the Fishery
155) The final section of this report describes the major findings from the field survey with regard to the
management authority and regulations pertaining to the SLBSC fishery. This section includes a
description of the field data collected to describe the procedures and measure that are in place to
manage the fishery. The description of the major findings of the field survey concludes with look at the
concerns about the SLBSC raised during the field survey, in the context of improving the existing
management of the fishery.
156) Management Authority: The MFAR, in the person of the Honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resource, is the principal authority for the regulation and management of all coastal and offshore
fisheries in Sri Lanka. The legislative framework for the regulation and management of Sri Lanka’s
19
marine resources is embodied in the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Act of 1996 , to which a large
number of new regulations and amendments have been added over the past decade and a half. The
legislative framework for the regulation and management of Sri Lanka’s fisheries and aquatic resources
is acknowledged to be comprehensive in terms of its scope and detail, as well as consistent with
international norms aimed at achieving the sustainable exploitation and management marine resources.
157) The task of implementing the regulations and managing the exploitation of fisheries and aquatic
resources in Sri Lanka resides with the Director General and staff of the DFAR. The DFAR comprises six
divisions, each tasked with implementing or enforcing the directives of the MFAR, under the Fisheries
and Aquatic Resource Act. The divisions of the DFAR are as follows:
158) In addition to head office of DFAR in Colombo, there are 15 District Fisheries Offices (DFO) located
around the island: one for each of the fourteen coastal districts and two for Puttalam District (i.e.,
Chilaw Fisheries District Office and Puttalam Fisheries District Office). Each DFO is headed by an
Assistant Director and comprises a number of Fisheries Inspectorate Divisions. There are a total of 148
Fisheries Inspectorate Divisions under the 15 DFO, covering all of the fishing villages in the country.
Fisheries Inspectors (FI) are responsible for the enforcement of fishery regulations and the
implementation of the government’s policies for the management and development of the sector.
159) The core responsibility of the DFO is the registration of fishing craft and issuance of fishing operation
licences in accordance with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Act. Each fishermen and fishing craft is
issued with a Certification of Registration of Fishing Craft and Fishing Operations Licence Book by the
DFAR (see overleaf). This booklet includes details of all Operating Licences issues as well the details of
the Registration of the Fishing Craft and Fishing Method(s) permitted. Documentary evidence is thus
available describing each fisherman, fishing craft and each of the fishing gears used to harvest fish and
other aquatic resources in Sri Lanka.
160) Regulations for SLBSC: There are no specific provisions or regulations pertaining to the exploitation of
SLBSC resources in Sri Lanka. The general regulations that apply to the SLBSC fishery, including the
registration of boats, engines and nets, are common to all fisheries in Sri Lanka. Similarly, the
prohibition of monofilament gill nets, applies to all fisheries in Sri Lanka. The prohibition of mechanised
trawling in Sri Lanka waters is pertinent to the SLBSC fishery, as it provides a legal basis for SLBSC
20
fishermen’s opposition to trawling by Indian and Sri Lankan trawlers in Sri Lankan waters .
19
http://www.fisheriesdept.gov.lk/fisheries_beta/index.php/download-fisheries-act-and-other-regulations
20
Trawling is banned in Sri Lanka under a directive from the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, while Clause 4 of the Fishing
(Import and Export) Regulations 2010 (1665/16) prohibits dredging and mechanised trawling operations in Sri Lankan waters
36
161) Other gears and fishing methods that are prohibited in Sri Lanka, such as mechanised beach seine, use
of ‘mosquito nets’, ‘disco nets’ (trammel net purse seines), ‘light course’ (purse seine with lights) are not
directly relevant to the SLBSC fishery.
164) During field survey it was observed that fishing for the
Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) has recently been
prohibited in Sri Lanka (see right). The new regulation
makes it illegal to catch, carrying, land, store, transport,
selling, advertise the sale of or retail sell thresher shark.
The regulations states that if a fishermen catches a
Thresher Sharks it must be released. Fishermen caught
landing Thresher Sharks will have their boats impounded
and will receive a fine.
37
Box B Examples of Fishery Regulations Specific to the Improvement of Sri Lankan Fisheries
Sea Shells Fisheries Management 2001 Prohibiting the possession, purchase, sale,
and Export Regulations 1188/3 transport and export of ‘sea shells’ (sea shells –
marine bivalves and gastropods, both dead and
alive)
Chank Fisheries Management and 2003 Requiring a license for those who wish to engage
Export Regulations 1298/1 in any fishing operations (fishing, storing, selling
etc.) which involves Chank fish. And requiring a
special export license for those who wish to export
Chank fish.
Declaration of Prohibited Time 2009 Prohibiting fishermen from catching lobsters in the
Period For Lobster Fishing Operation 1601/36 Sri Lankan sea during February, September and
October
Regulations for the Fishing of 2011 Setting out standards for the aggregating device
Cuttlefish (Fishing Operations) in Sea 1733/23 used when catching cuttlefish in the said areas.
Areas of Udappuwa and Semuthu (What it can be made of, height, where it can be
Thoduwa in the Puttalam Districts placed etc.)
167) Fishery Data: Another key task of the DFAR’s DFO is the collection of fish catch data. Data describing
the fishery sector in Sri Lanka is published each year by the Statistical Unit of the MFAR. The statistical
year book is compiled based on monthly statistical reports submitted by each DFAR DFO. District level
monthly statistical reports are submitted by Fisheries Inspectors for fish catch data corresponding to 11
categories of commercial fish species, commonly caught by fishermen in Sri Lanka fish (see Box C).
168) Although ‘crabs’ are included as one of the 11 categories, the monthly statistical reports does not
disaggregate the ‘crab catch’ by species. Thus, the crab catch data used throughout this report is an
amalgamation of all crabs landed, including S. serrata, Charybdis annulata (banded legged swimming
crab) and P. sanguinolentus (the three spot swimming crab) and S. serrata (the mud crab).
169) Given the absence of a Frame Survey for the fishery sector in Sri Lanka or another independently
verifiable methodology for the collection of fish catch data, the monthly fish catch data submitted by FI
are at best ‘local estimates’ of fish production. Insufficient human resources (staff) at the district and
21
divisional level ; a lack of physical resources including motorcycles, vehicles and insufficient financial
support and allowances to undertake field data collection, further undermine the accuracy of the
monthly fish catch data submitted by FI. For these reasons the data describing the crab fishery in each
of the four districts visited during the assessment, used extensively throughout this report, must be
viewed with considerable caution.
21
only one Fisheries Inspector, together with a Fisheries Management Assistant are responsible for collecting fish catch data for the entire
Mannar District
38
Box C Main categories of commercial fish species used to collect fishery catch data
170) The National Aquatic Resources and Research Agency (NARA) is also responsible for collecting and
analysing fish catch data. NARA is responsible for conducting monthly monitoring programme for large
pelagics, including 16 finfish species and sharks. NARA’s monthly monitoring programme provides
reports for Sri Lankan’s submissions to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. The large pelagic
monitoring programme covers all the main harbours in the country (15 sites) and the data is used to
estimate production of large pelagics by the MFAR’s Statistical Unit.
171) NARA is also involved in sampling small pelagic species, but this data is not used to estimate production.
NARA’s small pelagic monitoring programme is used for research and catch monitoring purposes only.
This is due to the much larger number of species and landing centres associated with the small pelagic
fishery. NARA’s small pelagic catch monitoring programme includes an assessment of fishing effort; the
number of boats and gear operating in each small pelagic fishery and the collection of length
measurements for each target species.
172) Fishery Management: There are currently no formal, legally binding, specific procedures, measures or
regulations in place to manage the SLBSC fishery off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka. No restrictions
have been placed on the number of fishermen that can enter the fishery; the fishing gears that can be
used to harvest SLBSC (with the exception of monofilament nets); the duration of the fishing season or
the areas in which fishing for SLBSC can take place.
39
173) The nationwide ban on the use of monofilament nets, limits fishing pressure in the SLBSC by reducing
fishing efficiency (i.e., increasing ‘escapability’) during three to four months of the year when the sea is
calm and turbidity decreases. The prohibition of monofilaments in the SLBSC fishery is a key factor in
the creation of the ‘offseason’, when SLBSC are able to avoid nylon crab nets. However, the regulation
prohibiting the use of monofilament nets in the SLBSC is on incompletely enforced. The degree of
enforcement varies from district to district.
174) Traditional fishing grounds are informally acknowledged by fishing communities, within which
individual fishing communities operate. In the Palk Bay traditional fishing grounds appear to be loosely
based district boundaries and straight line distances from the shore up to a certain point, beyond which
the fishing ground is common to SLBSC fishermen from any coastal village.
175) Fishery management measures that currently regulate the SLBSC fishery are informal or indirect, as a
result of external issues. For example, fishing effort by SLBSC fishermen is restricted to only three days
per week, due to the illegal fishing activities of Indian and Sri Lankan trawlers in SLBSC fishing grounds.
176) The fishing effort of SLBSC fishermen is further limited by the availability of alternative employment
activities, as a result of the post conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction project that are being
implemented throughout the Northern Province. High demand for unskilled, semi skilled and skilled
labour has encouraged many fishworkers and fishermen to suspend their engagement in the fishery
sector, in favour of a regular income in the construction and rehabilitation sector. The impact of
alternative employment opportunities is particularly apparent in Kilinochchi District, where a self build
housing construction financed by the Government of India is currently in progress.
177) Regular, irregular and internal migration is another factor that has had the effect of reducing fishing
effort, particularly in Jaffna District and Mannar District. In Jaffna District opportunities to take up
foreign employment and the lure of political asylum in Australia have both been responsible for recent
departures of young men from fishing communities in Jaffna District. Irregular migration to Australia
has also been observed from Puttalam District. In Mannar District, employment opportunities in other
districts, including Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa is considered to a key factor leading to
fishworkers and fishermen leaving the SLBSC fishery and thereby reducing fishing effort.
178) In terms of formal, direct fishery management measures, the MFAR has considerable experience in the
introduction of regulations and measures to improve fishery management in Sri Lanka. As noted above
the MFAR has introduced a regulation for Lobster Fishery Management in 2010. The NARA has recently
concluded stock assessment programmes for five key benthic marine species (i.e., sea cucumber,
22
lobster, chank, shrimp and ornamental fish) under the Capacity Enhancement of NARA programme .
The Capacity Enhancement of NARA programme was implemented with technical assistance from the
FAO UN and co-financed by the Canadian International Development Agency.
179) Furthermore NARA is currently engaged in the implementation of five fishery management sub project
with the assistance of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project. These include:
improving the Log Book System introduced by DFAR;
a technical study of the management of the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary;
fish catch monitoring programme for Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta);
a study of sharks caught in Sri Lankan waters and
strengthening the data collection protocols for large pelagic species caught by Sri Lanka’s
offshore fishing fleet.
22
http://www.nara.ac.lk/cenara/aboutUs.html
40
180) Fishery Management Concerns: A distinction is made in this sub section of the assessment report
between internal and external concerns affecting the management of the SLBSC fishery. External
concerns affecting the management of the fishery including the stake net fishery, illegal fishing by
Indian and Sri Lankan trawlers and various forms of migration have already been discussed earlier in
this report. The fishery management concerns raised during the field survey, which are discussed in this
sub section of the assessment report, are those that are internal to the SLBSC fishery. The key concerns
include catching, landing and purchasing small crabs; catching, landing and purchasing females crabs
with eggs (i.e., berried crabs); increasing fishing pressure (in Kalpitiya only) and the impact of political
patronage on measures taken to improve the management of the SLBSC fishery.
181) Concerns about harvesting small and crabs: Small crabs are defined as crabs weighing equal to or less
than 149g (see Table 6 above). Catching, landing and purchasing small crabs are a management concern
for two reasons. Firstly there is the concern that by catching, landing and purchasing small crabs,
mature crabs are being removed from the fishery before they have had the opportunity to spawn. As
noted in the introduction, BSC mature during their first year at weights ranging from 33 g to 170 g. By
catching, landing and purchasing small crabs, it is likely that a percentage of these crabs will not have
had the opportunity to reproduce. Removing individual crabs from the fishery before they have had an
opportunity to spawn may have an impact on future recruitment to the SLBSC fishery.
182) A further cause for concern that arises from catching, landing and purchasing small crabs is the
economic losses associated with harvesting small crabs. Figure 9 estimates the minimum and maximum
income from the SLBSC fishery, based on harvesting 1 tonne of 50 g (i.e., 20,000 individuals) at the
wholesale prices available during the field assessment. The minimum income generated from
harvesting 1 tonne of very, very small crabs is LKR 50,000.00, while the maximum income is LKR
126,400.00. Figure 9 shows the steady increase in the income from the SLBSC fishery that would accrue
if the same 20,000 SLBSC were caught at progressively larger and larger sizes. The maximum estimated
income from the fishery is LKR 6.3 million (6 tonnes @ 300g) for the same 20,000 individuals harvested
once they reach a very large size.
183) The estimates of minimum and maximum theoretical incomes from the fishery do not account for
annual mortality rates; the intention is simply to highlight the overall economic impact of catching,
landing and purchasing small crabs. Or alternatively, to highlight the financial losses incurred by
fishermen from catching progressively smaller and smaller sized crabs.
Figure 9 Estimated increases in SLBSC fishery income from harvesting larger crabs
41
184) Data presented in Table 9 suggests is that the economic losses incurred by fishermen from catching
small (100g – 149g), as opposed to medium (150g – 199g) crabs is around LKR 1.0 million rupees (for
every 20,000 small crabs caught) This is equivalent to a financial loss to fishermen of LKR 53.78 for
every small crab caught or LKR 430,240 per tonne of small crabs.
Table 9 Estimated incremental losses incurred by catching smaller and smaller sized crabs
VL L M S VS VVS
>250g 200g - 249g 150g - 199g 100g - 149g 80g - 99g 50g - 79g
185) Concerns about harvesting berried crabs: Catching, landing and purchasing of female crabs with eggs
was widely believed to have a negative impact on crab recruitment to future populations of the SLBSC,
by all participants in the SLSBC including fishermen, traders and representatives of seafood companies.
Despite widespread concerns, the practice of catching, landing and buying female SLBSC with eggs
continues throughout the year. Outside of the peak SLBSC breeding season, a small number of female
SLBSC spawn throughout the year. Bottom-set crab nets are not selective and catch equal numbers of
male and female crabs, including female crabs with eggs.
186) Only one fishing community was observed to voluntarily return females with eggs, with as many as 40%
of fishermen claiming to voluntarily return berried females caught in their nets to sea. This village was
the exception, rather than the rule. The economic constraints faced by fishermen; the time necessary to
untangle and release berried females from nets; dead female crabs in the nets and the willingness of
traders and seafood companies to buy berried females, all combine to ensure that females with eggs
are a regular feature of the daily catch from the SLBSC fishery.
187) Concerns about increasing fishing pressure: Participants in the SLBSC fishery in Puttalam District (i.e.,
Kalpitiya) raised concerns about increasing levels of fishing pressure. Since the end of the conflict it was
alleged that an increasing number of fishermen (and boats) were engaged in the fishery. Although the
overall landings were perceived to have stayed the same, the catch per boat per fishing trip was widely
viewed as having decreased over the past three to four years. No evidence of increasing fishing
pressure was observed in the other three districts visited during the course of the field survey. In part
this is most likely to be due to the involuntary restrictions placed on fishing effort in these areas, by
illegal fishing by Indian and Sri Lankan trawlers (see above).
188) Concerns about political patronage: The influence of provisional and central politicians the final was
also a concern in the context of the current and future management of the SLBSC fishery. Political
influence was widely believed to be the cause of the continuing use of monofilament nets by a minority
of SLBSC fishermen in Kalpitiya (Puttalam District) and a large percentage of SLBSC fishermen in Jaffna
23
District . Political patronage was also alleged to be main force behind the illegal operation of Sri Lankan
bottom trawlers in Kalpitiya and Jaffna (Kurunagar) and Mannar (Pesalai).
189) Provisional and central politicians’ involvement in fishery management issues prevent DFO staff from
carrying out their duties in accordance with the regulations and directives set out under the Fisheries
Act. Damaging fishing activities that are prohibited continue, due to political influence. The introduction
of measures to improve the management of the SLBSC fishery may face opposition from provisional and
central politicians, if they are deemed to detrimental to their supporters at the local level.
23
In Jaffna District, fishermen are also more accustomed to using monofilament nets, as these were the only effective fishing gears
possible through much of the conflict period
42
VI. Conclusions
190) The conclusions based on the findings of the fishery assessment are presented in accordance with the
MSC’s Fishery Standard: Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing (2010).
191) The conclusions reached in respect of each of MSC’s 30 performance indicators are set out below, for
the nine MSC criteria under each of the three core principles of the MSC’s Fishery Standard and Fishery
assessment Methodology. Each performance indicator has been assessed according to the MSC’s Score
Guideposts i.e., SG60, SG80 and SG100 (see below), based on the findings of the assessment.
Scoring Categories Category
192) The findings of the assessment indicate that the SLBSC fishery is likely to fail to meet the requirements
necessary to pass 23 out of MSC’s 31 performance indicators for sustainable fisheries. The assessment
suggests that the fishery may pass seven performance indicators, but would subsequently need to meet
conditions applied by the independent MSC assessor.
193) The principal deficiencies in terms of achieving sustainable management of the fishery relate to
principles 1 and 2. The fishery is likely to fail all seven performance indicators associated the biological
status of the SLBSC resource. The fishery is likely to fail 13 of the 15 performance indicators associated
the ecological impacts of the fishery (Principle 2).
194) An assessment of the SLBSC fishery in the context of each of the MSC’s 31 performance indicators, as
well the four performance indicators proposed by the Consultant, is presented below.
Table 10 Summary of the MSC Guidepost Scores for the SLBSC Fishery
43
MSC Fishery Assessment
Principles, Criteria & Performance Indicators Fishery Assessment
195) 1.1.1 Stock Status: The catch data available describing the SLBSC fishery is inadequate to enable the
status of the SLBSC stock to be independently verified. Insufficient time series data and concerns about
the accuracy of this data; incomplete descriptions of the fishery in each location and the aggregated
nature of the monthly export data compiled by the Department of Customs for ‘crab exports’ are the
principal barriers that prevent an independently verifiable SLBSC stock assessment at the present time.
The data and information that is available suggests that the status of the SLBSC stock is likely to be
considerable higher than comparable stocks of BSC in neighbouring India or in the Philippines,
Indonesia, China or Vietnam. In these BSC fisheries, small crabs (100g – 149g) and very small crabs (80g
24
– 99g) dominant the catch . In Sri Lanka, medium and large crabs are still prevalent.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
It is likely that the stock is above the point where recruitment There is a high degree of certainty
would be impaired. There is a high degree of
that the stock has been fluctuating
certainty that the stock is above
around its target reference point, or
The stock is at or fluctuating around its target reference the point where recruitment
has been above its target reference
would be impaired.
point (TRP). point, over recent years.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: There are no current or time series data describing the stock status of SLBSC. The status of the stock in relation
to recruitment is unknown. No TRP have been proposed / agreed / implemented for the fishery. Commercial purchasing
records are available with the main seafood companies / collectors. The data has not been made available to the SEASL.
The data has not been analysed.
Target
Dependent and independent data describing the stock are available and have been analysed.
DFAR staff and fishing communities can analyse and interpret independent data and draw appropriate conclusions
regarding the stock status.
Data Sources
Commercial Catch Data (Seafood Companies / UNI)
Population Biology Study (NARA)
Annual Stock Assessments using SPR (DFAR / FC )
24
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Report for BSC recommends consumers ‘avoid’ all BSC products originating from Indonesia,
Thailand, India, Vietnam and China fisheries, on account of unsustainable fishing practices.
44
196) 1.1.2 Reference Points: No reference points have yet been established to enable an independently
verifiable assessment of the status of the SLBSC stock to be undertaken. Data is required to ascertain
any or all of the following potential reference points: carapace width (length) relationships for both
sexes; size at first maturity and size at 50% maturity; mortality coefficients (total instantaneous
mortality coefficient Z; instantaneous natural mortality coefficient M and instantaneous fishing
mortality F); estimates of the maximum sustainable yield; yield mass curves and the optimum age of
exploitation (ty); the spawning potential ratio (SPR).
197) Furthermore other key parameters describing the fishery have yet to be established using relevant using
appropriate statistical method and models. Data is required to ascertain any or all of the following
1
parameters: total length L∞(total length, mm); the weight asymptote (W∞); K (year ); growth
1
performance index; the number and timing of recruitment peaks and the natural mortality, M (year );
the monthly sex ratio, gonadalsomal development indices for females including maturity stages and the
Gonad Somatic Index (GSI); estimates of the spawning season and fecundity; the size at recruitment to
the fishery (lr); yield per recruit (Y/R), the annual exploitation ratio; the catchability coefficient (q); the
annual fishing effort and optimum fishing effort (fMSY)
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Reference Points are appropriate for the stock and
can be estimated. The limit reference point is set above the level at which
there is an appreciable risk of impairing reproductive
The limit reference point is set above the level at capacity following consideration of relevant
Generic limit (LRP) precautionary issues.
which there is an appreciable risk of impairing
and target reference
reproductive capacity.
points (TRP) are based
on justifiable and
reasonable practice The target reference point is such that the stock is The Target Reference Point is such that the stock is
appropriate for the maintained at a level consistent with BMSY or some maintained at a level consistent with BMSY or some
species category. measure or surrogate with similar intent or outcome. measure or surrogate with similar intent or outcome,
or a higher level, and takes into account relevant
For low trophic level species, the target reference precautionary issues such as the ecological role of the
point takes into account the ecological role of the stock with a high degree of certainty.
stock.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: No LRP or TRP have been established for the fishery. The DFAR is unlikely to have the resources to regularly
collect and analyse data for a formal stock assessment e.g., total catch, fishing effort, CPUE, recruitment, growth and
mortality. Appropriate, cost effective measures need to be introduced with the involvement of the DFAR and the fishing
community, such as the use of spawning potential ratio (SPR).
Target
Introduction of generic LRP and TRP based on SPR
Adopting a precautionary approach to setting limits and targets e.g., SPRlimit = 30% and TRPtarget = 50%
Revised LRP and TRP based on annual assessments, other data and research.
Data Sources
SPR @ Size calculated based on Mortality (M), growth coefficient (k), Length of maturity (L m) and Maximum Length
(L∞) and size composition data from population biology assessment (NARA/SEASL)
Annual SPR Assessment (DFAR / FC / UNI / SEASL)
45
198) 1.1.3 Stock Rebuilding Plan: The status of the SLBSC crab stock is unknown and thus the need to rebuild
the stock cannot be assessed. Many participants in the fishery are however concerned about the
potential impact of harvesting ovigerous crabs (i.e., females with eggs). Two small crab hatcheries are
currently in operation and more are planned. The installation of ‘crab cages’ for female crabs with eggs
has also been proposed.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Where stocks are depleted rebuilding strategies Where stocks are depleted,
Where stocks are depleted rebuilding strategies
which have a reasonable expectation of success strategies are demonstrated to
are in place.
are in place. be rebuilding stocks
There is evidence that they are rebuilding stocks, continuously and there is strong
Monitoring is in place to determine whether evidence that rebuilding will be
or it is highly likely based on simulation modelling
they are effective in rebuilding the stock within a complete within the shortest
or previous performance that they will be able to
specified timeframe. practicable timeframe.
rebuild the stock within a specified timeframe
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 Fail
Rationale: The stock status of SLBSC – healthy or depleted - is unknown. No stock assessment has been undertaken. It not
possible to assess if this Performance Indicator is relevant or not.
Target
Precautionary, generic LRP and TRP based on SPR have been set e.g., SPRlimit = 30% and TRPtarget = 50%
Dependent and independent data describing the stock, against LRP and TRP, are available and have been analysed.
Data Sources
SPR @ Size calculated based on Mortality (M), growth coefficient (k), Length of maturity (L m) and Maximum Length
(L∞) and size composition data from population biology assessment (NARA/SEASL)
Annual SPR Assessment (DFAR / FC / UNI / SEASL)
199) 1.2.1 Harvest Strategy: There is no formal harvest strategy for the SLBSC fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The harvest strategy is expected to
The harvest strategy is The harvest strategy is responsive to the state of the stock
achieve stock management
responsive to the state of the and is designed to achieve stock management objectives
objectives reflected in the target
stock and the elements of the reflected in the target and limit reference points.
and limit reference points.
harvest strategy work together
The performance of the harvest strategy has been fully
The harvest strategy is likely to towards achieving management
evaluated and evidence exists to show that it is achieving its
work based on prior experience or objectives reflected in the target
objectives including being clearly able to maintain stocks at
plausible argument. and limit reference points.
target levels.
The harvest strategy may not
Monitoring is in place that is have been fully tested but
The harvest strategy is periodically reviewed and improved
expected to determine whether the monitoring is in place and
as necessary
harvest strategy is working evidence exists that it is
achieving its objectives.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: There is no formal harvest strategy for the SLBSC fishery. DFAR is not engaged in a stock monitoring
programme and no stock assessments have been conducted by either DFAR or NARA. Fishery dependent data
is available, but not analysed. There are no harvest control rules for the fishery, nor any associated actions
(i.e., harvest control tools) to be implemented by DFAR or the fishing community when these are breached.
There is no overall management plan for the SLBSC fishery, which encapsulates the harvest strategy, HCR and
HCT nor is there any independent scientific programme associated with the SLBSC fishery conducted by NARA.
Target
A harvest strategy that sets out and justifies the harvest control rules for the fishery based on LRP and
TRP; the management decision associated with each reference point that will ensure that the harvest
strategy is responsive to the stock status and a description of the data that will be used to monitor
(dependent) and assess (independent) the stock
Data Sources
Harvest Control Strategy (DFAR)
A fishery management plan that sets out the rationale, timeframe, responsibilities and cost of
implementing the harvest strategy.
46
200) 1.2.2 Harvest Control Rules and Tools: No harvest control rules have been formulated for the fishery
based on LRP and TRP and no tools have been devised to ensure that as the LRP is approached
appropriate action is taken to restore the fishery to the TRP. All fishing craft, engines and fishing gear
engaged in the harvest of SLBSC are licensed annually by the DFAR. Damaging and or destructive forms
of harvesting BSC, including monofilament nets, trawling by Indian and Sri Lankan trawlers and stake net
fishing (in Kalpitiya only) are prohibited by law. The relevant laws are enforced by the DFAR. The
nationwide ban on the use of monofilament nets controls the harvesting of SLBSC during periods when
the sea is calm and visibility is high in the coastal waters off the North West coast of Sri Lanka.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Well defined harvest control rules are in place that are
Generally understood harvest The design of the harvest control
consistent with the harvest strategy and ensure that
control rules are in place that are rules take into account a wide range
the exploitation rate is reduced as limit reference
consistent with the harvest strategy of uncertainties.
points are approached.
and which act to reduce the
exploitation rate as limit reference The selection of the harvest control rules takes into
points are approached. account the main uncertainties. Evidence clearly shows that the tools
in use are effective in achieving the
There is some evidence that tools exploitation levels required under the
Available evidence indicates that the tools in use are
used to implement harvest control harvest control rules.
appropriate and effective in achieving the exploitation
rules are appropriate and effective in
levels required under the harvest control rules.
controlling exploitation.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: No harvest control rules have been formulated for the fishery based on LRP and TRP and no tools
have been devised to ensure that as the LRP is approached appropriate action is taken to restore the fishery to
the TRP.
Target
Introduction of harvest control rules based on SPR based LRP and TRP
Introduction of harvest control tools (e.g., licences, minimum size / weight limits, minimum mesh size,
gear regulations, restricted fishing areas, spawning closed season) which would be appropriate and
effective in controlling exploitation of the stock
Data Sources
Harvest Control Rules (DFAR / FC)
Harvest Control Tools (DFAR)
201) 1.2.3 Harvest Strategy - Information and Monitoring: Data and information exist describing the number
of fishermen, fishing craft and fishing gear engaged in the SLBSC. However, no systems are currently in
place to use this information for monitoring the SLBSC fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Sufficient relevant information related to stock
structure, stock productivity, fleet composition and
Some relevant
other data is available to support the harvest A comprehensive range of information (on stock
information related to
strategy. structure, stock productivity, fleet composition, stock
stock structure, stock
Stock abundance and fishery removals are abundance, fishery removals and other information
productivity and fleet
regularly monitored at a level of accuracy and such as environmental information), including some
composition is available
coverage consistent with the harvest control rule, that may not be directly relevant to the current
to support the harvest
and one or more indicators are available and harvest strategy, is available.
strategy.
monitored with sufficient frequency to support the
harvest control rule.
Stock abundance and
fishery removals are There is good information on all other fishery All information required by the harvest control rule is
monitored and at least removals from the stock. monitored with high frequency and a high degree of
one indicator is available certainty, and there is a good understanding of the
and monitored with Sufficient relevant information related to stock inherent uncertainties in the information [data] and
sufficient frequency to structure, stock productivity, fleet composition and the robustness of assessment and management to this
support the harvest other data is available to support the harvest uncertainty.
control rule. strategy.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: There is no relevant information related to stock structure and stock productivity. Dependent data
47
is available on fleet composition and fishing gears (DFAR) and production (seafood companies), but has not
been analysed. There is no regular monitoring of information that would be relevant to a harvest strategy.
Target
Regular collection and analysis of dependent and independent data relevant to stock status and
productivity
Data Sources
Monthly production data (Seafood Companies)
Annual stock assessment using SPR (DFAR / FC)
DFAR licensing data (DFAR)
Independent research (NARA / UNI)
202) 1.2.4 Assessment of Stock Status: An assessment of the SLBSC fishery has been completed by the
SEASL, with the support of the NFI CC. Recommendations to improve the SLBSC fishery have been made
in accordance with the principles, criteria and performance indicators encapsulated in the MSC’s Fishery
Standard, with reference to the SFP’s framework for the design, development and implementation of a
FIP, but no assessment of the stock has been undertaken.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The assessment is appropriate for the stock and for the harvest control
The assessment The assessment is appropriate for rule and takes into account the major features relevant to the biology of
estimates stock the stock and for the harvest control the species and the nature of the fishery.
status relative to rules, and is evaluating stock status
reference points. relative to reference points. The assessment takes into account uncertainty and is evaluating stock
status relative to Reference Points in a probabilistic way.
The assessment takes uncertainty The assessment has been tested and shown to be robust. Alternative
The major sources into account. hypotheses and assessment approaches have been rigorously explored.
of uncertainty are
identified. The stock assessment is subject to
The assessment has been internally and externally peer reviewed.
peer review.
Target
A stock assessment is completed relative to LRP and TRP and the harvest control rules, which takes into
consideration the major sources of uncertainty.
Data Sources
Annual stock assessments (DFAR / FC)
48
Principle 2: Ecological Impacts of the Fishery
203) 2.1.1 Status: The number of species and the quantity of the retained bycatch from the SLBSC fishery
appears to be moderate to low, compared to other methods of harvesting BSC (i.e., bottom trawling
and trammel nets). Common benthic finfish and several molluscs’ species are retained by fishermen.
Most of the retained finfish species are juveniles.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Main retained species are likely to be within biologically based There is a high degree of
limits or if outside the limits there are measures in place that Main retained species are highly certainty that retained species
are expected to ensure that the fishery does not hinder likely to be within biologically are within biologically based
recovery and rebuilding of the depleted species. based limits, or if outside the limits.
limits there is a partial strategy of Target Reference Points are
If the status is poorly known there are measures or demonstrably effective
defined and retained species
practices in place that are expected to result in the management measures in place
such that the fishery does not
are at or fluctuating around
fishery not causing the retained species to be outside
hinder recovery and rebuilding. their Target Reference
biologically based limits or hindering recovery.
Points.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: There is insufficient information available to assess whether there are any main retained species in
the SLBSC fishery. To qualify as a main retained species, the species must comprise 5% of more of the
commercial catch. The fishery assessment conducted by SEASL in 2013 is the only report that identifies species
retained by SLBSC fishermen. This report identified around 15 finfish species and four species of molluscs that
are retained by fishermen from the SLBSC fishery. The assessment does not contain sufficient information to
estimate the percentage contribution of retained species to the overall landings of SLBSC in the fishery.
Target
Identification and quantification of all species retained by fishermen from the SLBSC fishery
Identification of main any retained species (i.e., > 5% of the total catch)
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
204) 2.1.2 Management Strategy: The status of the retained bycatch from the SLBSC is unknown. No
strategy is currently in place to manage either the variety or quantity of the retained bycatch from the
SLBSC bottom-set gill net fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
There is a partial strategy in place, if necessary that
There are measures in place, if
is expected to maintain the main retained species
necessary, that are expected to There is a strategy in place for managing
at levels which are highly likely to be within
maintain the main retained retained species.
biologically based limits or to ensure the fishery
species at levels which are highly
does not hinder their recovery and rebuilding.
likely to be within biologically
There is some objective basis for confidence that The strategy is mainly based on information
based limits, or to ensure the
the partial strategy will work, based on some directly about the fishery and/or species
fishery does not hinder their
information directly about the fishery and/or involved, and testing supports high
recovery and rebuilding.
species involved. confidence that the strategy will work.
There is clear evidence that the strategy is
The measures are considered There is some evidence that the partial strategy is
being implemented successfully, and
likely to work, based on plausible being implemented successfully.
intended changes are occurring.
argument (e.g., general
experience, theory or comparison There is some evidence that the strategy is
with similar fisheries/species). achieving its overall objective.
49
Target
Appropriate measures introduced and operational, for each main retained species (if any) identified
Data Sources
SLBSC Fishery Management Plan (DFAR)
205) 2.1.3 Information & Monitoring: The status of the retained bycatch from the SLBSC fishery is unknown.
An indication of the bycatch likely to be retained from the SLBSC bottom-set gill net fishery was
gathered during the field assessment. No monitoring systems are currently in place.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Qualitative information and some Accurate and verifiable information is available on
Qualitative information is available on
quantitative information are available the catch of all retained species and the
the amount of main retained species
on the amount of main retained species consequences for the status of affected
taken by the fishery.
taken by the fishery. populations.
Information is sufficient to estimate Information is sufficient to quantitatively
outcome status with respect to estimate outcome status with a high degree of
biologically based limits. certainty.
Information is adequate to qualitatively
assess outcome status with respect to Information is adequate to support a
biologically based limits. Information is adequate to support a comprehensive strategy to manage retained
partial strategy to manage main species, and evaluate with a high degree of
retained species. certainty whether the strategy is achieving its
objective.
Sufficient data continue to be collected
Information is adequate to support to detect any increase in risk level (e.g. Monitoring of retained species is conducted in
measures to manage main retained due to changes in the outcome indicator sufficient detail to assess ongoing mortalities to all
species. scores or the operation of the fishery or retained species
the effectiveness of the strategy).
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: Insufficient qualitative information is available on the amount of main retained species taken by the
fishery. Information is inadequate to qualitatively assess the outcome status with respect to biologically based
limit or support measures to manage main retained species. No bycatch monitoring system is in place
Target
Identification and quantification of all species retained by fishermen from the SLBSC fishery, including any
main retained species (i.e., > 5% of the total catch)
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
Ecological Impact Monitoring
206) 2.2.1 Status: The number of species and the quantity of the discarded bycatch from the SLBSC fishery
appears to be moderate to low compared to other methods of harvesting BSC (i.e., bottom trawling and
trammel nets). Common benthic finfish and several molluscs species are discarded by SLBSC fishermen.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Main discarded bycatch species are likely to be within biologically Main discarded bycatch species are
based limits, or if outside such limits there are mitigation measures in highly likely to be within biologically There is a high degree
place that are expected to ensure that the fishery does not hinder based limits or if outside such limits of certainty that
recovery and rebuilding. there is a partial strategy of discarded bycatch
If the status is poorly known there are measures or practices in place demonstrably effective mitigation species are within
that are expected to result in the fishery not causing the discarded measures in place such that the fishery biologically based
bycatch species to be outside biologically based limits or hindering does not hinder recovery and limits.
recovery. rebuilding.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: There is insufficient information available to ascertain whether there are any main discarded
species in the SLBSC fishery. To qualify as a main discarded species, the species must comprise 5% of more of
the commercial catch. The fishery assessment conducted by SEASL in 2013 is the only report that identifies
species discarded by SLBSC fishermen. This report identified around four finfish species, four species of
50
molluscs, three species of crab and two species of echinoderms that are discarded by fishermen from the
SLBSC fishery. The assessment does not contain sufficient information to estimate the percentage contribution
of discarded species to the overall landings of SLBSC in the fishery.
Target
Identification and quantification of all species discarded by fishermen from the SLBSC fishery, including
any main discarded species (i.e., > 5% of the total catch)
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
207) 2.2.2 Management Strategy: The status of the discarded bycatch from the SLBSC is unknown. No
strategy is currently in place to manage either the variety or quantity of the discarded bycatch from the
SLBSC bottom-set gill net fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
There are measures in place, if There is a partial strategy in place, if
necessary, which are expected to necessary, for managing discarded bycatch
maintain main discarded bycatch that is expected to maintain main
There is a strategy in place for managing and
species at levels which are highly likely discarded bycatch species at levels which
minimising discarded bycatch.
to be within biologically based limits or are highly likely to be within biologically
to ensure that the fishery does not based limits or to ensure that the fishery
hinder their recovery. does not hinder their recovery.
There is some objective basis for
The strategy is mainly based on information
confidence that the partial strategy will
directly about the fishery and/or species
The measures are considered likely to work, based on some information directly
involved, and testing supports high confidence
work, based on plausible argument (e.g about the fishery and/or the species
that the strategy will work.
general experience, theory or involved.
comparison with similar There is clear evidence that the strategy is being
There is some evidence that the partial
fisheries/species). implemented successfully, and intended
strategy is being implemented
changes are occurring. There is some evidence
successfully.
that the strategy is achieving its objective.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: Insufficient information is available to assess whether this criterion needs to be applied to the
SLBSC i.e., whether there are any main discarded species (> 5% of the SLBSC catch by weight) associated with
the fishery (see above and below). There are currently no measures in place regarding bycatch of any kind (i.e.,
retained, discarded or ETP).
Target
Appropriate measures introduced and operational, for each main discarded species (if any) identified
Data Sources
SLBSC Fishery Management Plan (DFAR)
208) 2.2.3 Information & Monitoring: The status of the discarded bycatch from the SLBSC fishery is
unknown. An indication of the bycatch discarded from the SLBSC bottom-set gill net fishery was
gathered during the field assessment. No monitoring systems are currently in place.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Qualitative information is Qualitative information and some Accurate and verifiable information is
available on the amount of main quantitative information are available on available on the amount of all bycatch and the
discarded bycatch species affected the amount of main bycatch species consequences for the status of affected
by the fishery. affected by the fishery. populations.
Information is adequate to Information is sufficient to quantitatively
broadly understand outcome Information is adequate to support a partial estimate outcome status with respect to
status with respect to biologically strategy to manage main bycatch species. biologically based limits with a high degree of
based limits. certainty
Sufficient data continue to be collected to Information is adequate to support a
detect any increase in risk to main bycatch
Information is adequate to support comprehensive strategy to manage bycatch,
species (e.g. due to changes in the outcome
measures to manage bycatch. and evaluate with a high degree of certainty
indicator scores or the operation of the
fishery or the effectiveness of the strategy). whether a strategy is achieving its objective.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
51
Rationale: Insufficient qualitative information is available on the amount of main discarded species (if present)
taken by the fishery. Information is inadequate to qualitatively assess the outcome status with respect to
biologically based limit or support measures to manage main discarded species. No bycatch monitoring system
is in place
Target
Identification and quantification of all species retained by fishermen from the SLBSC fishery, including any
main retained species (i.e., > 5% of the total catch)
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
Ecological Impact Monitoring
209) 2.3.1 Status: The SLBSC fishery is located in an area of high biodiversity, including a large number of ETP
species, such as the dugong (Dugong dugon), indo-pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chineusis), as well
as a number of other cetaceans and marine reptiles including four species of marine turtle. The
presence of ETP species in the SLBSC fishery bycatch appears to be uncommon. Turtles and small sharks
are rarely caught in the bycatch of the bottom-set gill nets. Catching, landing and or selling turtles is
illegal in Sri Lanka. The law is partially enforced.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Known effects of the fishery are likely to The effects of the fishery are known and are There is a high degree of certainty that the
be within limits of national and highly likely to be within limits of national effects of the fishery are within limits of
international requirements for and international requirements for protection national and international requirements for
protection of ETP species. of ETP species. protection of ETP species.
Direct effects are highly unlikely to create
unacceptable impacts to ETP species. There is a high degree of confidence that
Known direct effects are unlikely to
there are no significant detrimental effects
create unacceptable impacts to ETP Indirect effects have been considered and are (direct and indirect) of the fishery on ETP
species. thought to be unlikely to create unacceptable species.
impacts.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: Insufficient information is available to adequately judge the effects of the SLBSC fishery on ETP
species. The fishery assessment conducted by SEASL in 2013 identify three species of mammal, several species
of reptiles (i.e., sea snakes and turtles), as well as sharks that are may interact with the fishery. No other data
or information is available describing the effects (if any) of the fishery on ETP species.
Target
Identification and quantification of all ETP species interaction with the SLBSC fishery.
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
210) 2.3.2 Management Strategy: The status of the ETP bycatch from the SLBSC fishery is unknown. No
strategy is necessary to management (i.e., reduce) the variety or quantity of the ETP bycatch associated
with the SLBSC bottom-set gill net fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
There are measures in place There is a strategy in place for managing the There is a comprehensive strategy in place for
that minimize mortality, and are fishery’s impact on ETP species, including managing the fishery’s impact on ETP species,
expected to be highly likely to measures to minimize mortality that is designed including measures to minimize mortality that is
achieve national and to be highly likely to achieve national and designed to achieve above national and
international requirements for international requirements for the protection of international requirements for the protection of
the protection of ETP species. ETP species. ETP species.
The measures are considered There is an objective basis for confidence that The strategy is mainly based on information
likely to work, based on the strategy will work, based on some directly about the fishery and/or species
plausible argument (e.g. information directly about the fishery and/or the involved, and a quantitative analysis supports
general experience, theory or species involved. high confidence that the strategy will work.
52
comparison with similar There is clear evidence that the strategy is being
fisheries/species). There is evidence that the strategy is being implemented successfully, and intended changes
implemented successfully. are occurring. There is evidence that the strategy
is achieving its objective
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: There are no measures in place to minimise the interaction / mortality of ETP species from the
SLBSC fishery. Insufficient data is available to assess whether such measures are necessary and if so for which
ETP species.
Target
Appropriate measures to minimise interactions / mortality (if any) of ETP species in the SLBSC fishery
introduced and operational
Data Sources
SLBSC Fishery Management Plan (DFAR)
211) 2.3.3 Information & Monitoring: The status of the ETP bycatch associated with the SLBSC fishery is
unknown. An indication of the possible ETP bycatch associated with the SLBSC bottom-set gill net
fishery was gathered during the field assessment. No monitoring systems are currently in place.
212)
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Information is sufficient to determine
Information is adequate to broadly whether the fishery may be a threat to Information is sufficient to quantitatively
understand the impact of the fishery protection and recovery of the ETP estimate outcome status with a high degree of
on ETP species. species, and if so, to measure trends and certainty.
support a full strategy to manage impacts.
Information is adequate to support a
Sufficient data are available to allow
Information is adequate to support comprehensive strategy to manage impacts,
fishery related mortality and the impact of
measures to manage the impacts on minimize mortality and injury of ETP species, and
fishing to be quantitatively estimated for
ETP species evaluate with a high degree of certainty whether
ETP species.
a strategy is achieving its objectives.
Accurate and verifiable information is available
Information is sufficient to
on the magnitude of all impacts, mortalities and
qualitatively estimate the fishery
injuries and the consequences for the status of
related mortality of ETP species.
ETP species
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: The information that is available describing the interaction of ETP species with the SLBSC fishery is
inadequate to broadly understand the impact (if any) of the fishery on ETP species; to support measures to
manage the impacts (if any) on ETP species or to qualitatively estimate the fishery related mortality of ETP
species.
Target
Identification and quantification of all ETP species interacting with the SLBSC fishery.
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
Ecological Impact Monitoring
213) 2.4.1 Habitat Status: The SLBSC fishery is located in an area of high biodiversity, including a number of
critical marine habitats, such as fringing mangroves, sea grass beds, sandstone and coral reefs and sand
banks and shoals. The assessment found no evidence or reports to indicate that critical marine habitats
are threatened, damaged or destroyed by the operation of small scale fishing craft using bottom-set
nylon gill nets in the SLBSC fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The fishery is unlikely to reduce habitat The fishery is highly unlikely to reduce There is evidence that the fishery is highly
structure and function to a point where habitat structure and function to a point unlikely to reduce habitat structure and
there would be serious or irreversible where there would be serious or function to a point where there would be
harm irreversible harm. serious or irreversible harm.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: Insufficient information is available describing the SLBSC fishery’s interactions with marine habitats.
53
The SLBSC fishery uses medium sized, bottom set nylon gill nets to harvest BSC. A variety of marine habitats
including mangroves, coral and limestone reefs, sea grass beds, sand banks and mud banks are found in the
vicinity of the SLBSC fishery. Of these, the SLBSC is likely to interact with sea grass beds and may interact with
corals. The small scale and seasonal nature of the fishery; the passive nature of the gill nets and the largely
inshore location of the sea grass beds suggests that the fishery is unlikely to reduce habitat structure and
function to a point where there would be serious or irreversible harm. The SLBSC fishery’s interaction with
coral reefs is unknown. The impact of ghost fishing by discarded or lost fishing gear is unknown.
Target
A comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the SLBSC and marine habitats in the vicinity
of the fishery.
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
214) 2.4.2 Habitat Management Strategy: The status of marine habitats and their interaction with the SLBSC
fishery is insufficiently understood.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
There are measures in place, if There is a partial strategy in place, if
necessary, that are expected to achieve necessary, that is expected to achieve the There is a strategy in place for managing the
the Habitat Outcome 80 level of Habitat Outcome 80 level of performance impact of the fishery on habitat types.
performance. or above.
There is some objective basis for The strategy is mainly based on information
confidence that the partial strategy will directly about the fishery and/or habitats
The measures are considered likely to
work, based on some information directly involved, and testing supports high confidence
work, based on plausible argument
about the fishery and/or habitats involved. that the strategy will work.
(e.g., general experience, theory or
There is clear evidence that the strategy is being
comparison with similar There is some evidence that the partial
implemented successfully, and intended changes
fisheries/habitats). strategy is being implemented
are occurring. There is some evidence that the
successfully.
strategy is achieving its objective.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: No measures are in place to reduce or prevent the fishery’s interaction with marine habitats.
Insufficient evidence is available to assess whether such measures are necessary to achieve Habitat Outcome
SG 80 level i.e., it is highly unlikely that the fishery reduces habitat structure and function to a point where
there would be serious or irreversible harm.
Target
A partial strategy is in place (if necessary) that is expected to achieve the Habitat Outcome 80 level and of
performance or above, which is considered likely to be effective and which is being implemented.
Data Sources
SLBSC Fishery Management Plan (DFAR)
215) 2.4.3 Habitat Information / Monitoring: A considerable body of research and technical reports is
available describing marine habitats in Sri Lanka. A number of comprehensive field surveys have been
undertaken in Puttalam Lagoon. Data and information describing marine habitats in Mannar, Kilinochchi
and Jaffna are less extensive, but contemporary research is underway through national and regional
agencies.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The distribution of habitat types is
There is a basic understanding of The nature, distribution and vulnerability of all main
known over their range, with
the types and distribution of main habitat types in the fishery area are known at a level of
particular attention to the occurrence
habitats in the area of the fishery. detail relevant to the scale and intensity of the fishery.
of vulnerable habitat types.
Information is adequate to
Sufficient data are available to allow the nature of the
broadly understand the main Changes in habitat distributions over
impacts of the fishery on habitat types to be identified and
impacts of gear use on the main time are measured.
there is reliable information on the spatial extent, timing
habitats, including spatial extent
and location of use of the fishing gear.
of interaction.
Sufficient data continue to be collected to detect any The physical impacts of the gear on
increase in risk to habitat (e.g. due to changes in the the habitat types have been
outcome indicator scores or the operation of the fishery quantified fully.
54
or the effectiveness of the measures).
216) 2.5.1 Ecosystem Status: The SLBSC fishery is situated in south western corner of the Bay of Bengal Large
Marine Ecosystem and the eastern most extent of the Indian Ocean Large Marine Ecosystem. The SLBSC
fishery is unlikely to have any measurable impacts or threaten the broader ecosystem level processes
and functions in either of these large marine ecosystems. BSC are both predator and prey for a number
of other marine species. The size of the fishery and the relative abundance of BSC do not suggest that
BSC play a crucial function in broader ecosystem level processes and functions in the Bay of Bengal or
the Indian Ocean.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The fishery is unlikely to disrupt the The fishery is highly unlikely to disrupt the There is evidence that the fishery is highly
key elements underlying ecosystem key elements underlying ecosystem unlikely to disrupt the key elements underlying
structure and function to a point structure and function to a point where ecosystem structure and function to a point
where there would be a serious or there would be a serious or irreversible where there would be a serious or irreversible
irreversible harm. harm. harm.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG 60 CONDITIONAL PASS
Rationale: The SLBSC fishery is small scale coastal fishery, using gill nets restricted to the near shore Sri Lankan
waters in the Bay of Bengal (2,173,000 sq km), Palk Bay (17,000 sq km) and Gulf of Mannar (10,500 sq km), off
the north-western and northern coast of the island. The small scale and seasonal nature of the fishery,
combined with the low trophic status and short life history of BSC suggest that the fishery is unlikely to disrupt
the key elements underlying of the structure and function of each of the large marine ecosystems, to a point
where there would be a serious or irreversible harm.
Target
Sufficient information and data are available to substantiate claims that fishery does not disrupt the key
elements underlying ecosystem structure and function to a point where there would be a serious or
irreversible harm.
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
55
217) 2.5.2 Ecosystem Management Strategy: No specific strategies are necessary to manage the SLBSC
fishery’s impact on the broader ecosystem dynamics in the Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar or Bay of Bengal.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
There is a strategy that consists of a plan , containing
There is a partial strategy in place, if necessary,
measures to address all main impacts of the fishery on the
that takes into account available information
There are measures in ecosystem, and at least some of these measures are in
and is expected to restrain impacts of the
place, if necessary, that place. The plan and measures are based on well-
fishery on the ecosystem so as to achieve the
take into account understood functional relationships between the fishery
Ecosystem Outcome 80 level of performance.
potential impacts of the and the Components and elements of the ecosystem.
fishery on key elements The partial strategy is considered likely to
This plan provides for development of a full strategy that
of the ecosystem. work, based on plausible argument (eg,
restrains impacts on the ecosystem to ensure the fishery
general experience, theory or comparison with
does not cause serious or irreversible harm.
similar fisheries/ ecosystems)
The measures are The measures are considered likely to work based on prior
considered likely to work, experience, plausible argument or information directly
based on plausible There is some evidence that the measures from the fishery/ecosystems involved.
argument (e.g., general comprising the partial strategy are being
experience, theory or implemented successfully There is evidence that the measures are being
comparison with similar implemented successfully.
fisheries/ ecosystems).
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG < 60 FAIL
Rationale: No assessment or investigation has been conducted to assess whether measures are necessary to
take into account the potential impact of the fishery on key elements of the ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal,
Palk Bay or the Gulf of Mannar.
Target
A partial strategy is in place (if necessary) that is expected to achieve the Ecosystem Outcome 80 level and
of performance or above, which is considered likely to be effective and which is being implemented.
Data Sources
SLBSC Fishery Management Plan (DFAR)
218) 2.5.3 Ecosystem Information / Monitoring: A considerable body of research and technical reports exist
describing the broader ecosystem dynamics in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Information is adequate to Information is adequate to broadly understand
Information is adequate to broadly understand
identify the key elements of the the functions of the key elements of the
the key elements of the ecosystem.
ecosystem (e.g. trophic ecosystem.
structure and function, Main impacts of the fishery on these key Main interactions between the fishery and
community composition, ecosystem elements can be inferred from existing these ecosystem elements can be inferred from
productivity pattern and information, but may not have been investigated existing information, and have been
biodiversity). in detail. investigated.
The impacts of the fishery on target, Bycatch,
The main functions of the Components (i.e., target
Retained and ETP species and Habitats are
and bycatch and Habitats) in the ecosystem are
identified and the main functions of these
known.
Components in the ecosystem are understood.
Main impacts of the fishery on
Sufficient information is available on the impacts Sufficient information is available on the
these key ecosystem elements
of the fishery on these Components to allow some impacts of the fishery on the Components and
can be inferred from existing
of the main consequences for the ecosystem to be elements to allow the main consequences for
information, but have not been
inferred. the ecosystem to be inferred.
investigated in detail.
Sufficient data continue to be collected to detect
Information is sufficient to support the
any increase in risk level (e.g. due to changes in
development of strategies to manage
the outcome indicator scores or the operation of
ecosystem impacts
the fishery or the effectiveness of the measures).
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG 60 CONDITIONAL PASS
Rationale: Information from published reports and research papers are adequate to identify the key elements
of the ecosystems in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, but the main impacts of the fishery on
these key ecosystem elements have not been investigated in detail.
Target
The main impacts of the fishery on key ecosystem elements are broadly understood; the main impacts (if
any) can be inferred or are known and sufficient data has been compiled to assess environmental risk.
56
Data Sources
Ecological Impact Assessment (UNI / Other)
Ecosystem monitoring data
219) 3.1.1 Legal / Customary Framework: The Fisheries & Aquatic Resource Act (1996) and subsequent
amendments to the Act provide a comprehensive legal framework for statutory regulation of marine
fisheries in Sri Lanka. The existence of a supportive legal framework provides the basis through which
the SEASL and other members of a FIP Steering Committee can work towards establishing a regulation
specific to the SLBSC fishery. Regulations governing the exploitation and management of other Sri
Lankan fishery resources demonstrate the GOSL’s commitment to improving and sustaining Sri Lankan
fisheries. The existence of ‘traditional fishing grounds’, informally associated with fishing communities
each district, is likely to further assist the implementation of a regulation formulated for the SLBS
fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The management system incorporates or is
The management system is generally
subject by law to a transparent mechanism
consistent with local, national or international
for the resolution of legal disputes which is The management system incorporates
laws or standards that are aimed at achieving
considered to be effective in dealing with or is subject by law to a transparent
sustainable fisheries in accordance with MSC
most issues and that is appropriate to the mechanism for the resolution of legal
Principles 1 and 2.
context of the fishery. disputes that is appropriate to the
The management system incorporates or is The management system or fishery is context of the fishery and has been
subject by law to a mechanism for the attempting to comply in a timely fashion with tested and proven to be effective.
resolution of legal disputes arising within the binding judicial decisions arising from any
system. legal challenges.
Although the management authority or fishery The management system or fishery
may be subject to continuing court challenges, acts proactively to avoid legal disputes
it is not indicating a disrespect or defiance of or rapidly implements binding judicial
the law by repeatedly violating the same law The management system has a mechanism to decisions arising from legal challenges.
or regulation necessary for the sustainability observe the legal rights created explicitly or The management system has a
for the fishery. established by custom of people dependent mechanism to formally commit to the
The management system has a mechanism to on fishing for food or livelihood in a manner legal rights created explicitly or
generally respect the legal rights created consistent with the objectives of MSC established by custom on people
explicitly or established by custom of people Principles 1 and 2. dependent on fishing for food and
dependent on fishing for food or livelihood in livelihood in a manner consistent with
a manner consistent with the objectives of the objectives of MSC Principles 1 and
MSC Principles 1 and 2. 2.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG 70 CONDITIONAL PASS
Rationale: The Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Act (No.2 of 1996), Part IV sets out a transparent mechanism for
the settlement of fishing disputes. The right to fish is embodied in Article 14, section g of the Sri Lankan
Constitution (1978), which entitles every citizen to the freedom to engage by him or herself or in association
with others in any lawful occupation, profession, trade, business or enterprise. There is inadequate
information about the legal challenges to the system and compliance with binding judicial decisions arising
from such challenges
Target
Consolidation and analysis of legal provisions and challenges (if any) to the system and compliance with
binding judicial decisions arising from such challenges
Data Sources
Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Act (No.2 of 1996)
Constitution of Sri Lanka (1978)
Legal records of cases filed (if any) under the Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Act
57
220) 3.2.1 Consultation, Roles and Responsibilities: Fishing communities are organised at the village,
divisional and district level. Seafood companies are represented by the SEASL. The DFAR is represented
at the national, district, divisional and village level and the MFAR has extensive research and
development capability in the form of NARA and NAQDA. Functions, roles and responsibilities of each of
these participants in the fishery are generally understood.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Organizations and individuals
Organizations and individuals involved in the Organizations and individuals involved in the
involved in the management
management process have been identified. management process have been identified.
process have been identified.
Functions, roles and responsibilities are explicitly Functions, roles and responsibilities are explicitly
Functions, roles and
defined and well understood for key areas of defined and well understood for all areas of
responsibilities are generally
responsibility and interaction. responsibility and interaction.
understood
The management system includes consultation
The management system includes consultation
The management system processes that regularly seek and accept relevant
processes that regularly seek and accept
includes consultation information, including local knowledge. The
relevant information, including local knowledge.
processes that obtain management system demonstrates consideration of
The management system demonstrates
relevant information from the information and explains how it is used or not
consideration of the information obtained.
the main affected parties, used.
including local knowledge, to The consultation process provides opportunity and
The consultation process provides opportunity
inform the management encouragement for all interested and affected
for all interested and affected parties to be
system. parties to be involved, and facilitates their effective
involved.
engagement.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG 60 CONDITIONAL PASS
Rationale: Fishing communities engaged in the SLSBC fishery are organised at the village and district level and
represented at the national level. The DFAR is represented at the village, divisional and district level and at the
national level. The MFAR, the agency with overall responsibility for management of the SLBSC fishery, includes
the National Aquatic Resource Research and Development Agency. An Advisory Committee advises the
Minster on fishery policy and management. Seafood companies engaged in purchasing SLBSC are members of
the Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka. Functions, roles and responsibilities are generally understood
and consultation processes are take place that obtain relevant information from the main affected parties
(e.g., the recent Sri Lanka / Indian Fishermen’s Dialogue in Colombo).
Target
Key areas of responsibility and interaction for the management of the SLBSC fishery are indentified and
operational through the SLBSC FIP Steering Committee.
Regular meetings of the SLBSC FIP Steering Committee are arranged / formalised between all participants
in the SLBSC fishery and the management system responds to information generated through these
interactions
The consultation process is open to representatives in the fishery, decisions and justifications are made
available to the public.
Data Sources
MFAR Fishery Ten Year Policy (2009 – 2016 / 2016 -2015)
SEASL SLBSC Fishery Improvement Project reports and web site
58
221) 3.1.4 Long Term Policy Objectives: The Government of Sri Lanka has formulated long-term objectives
for the national fishery development in the ten year fishery development plan. The national fishery
policy is consistent with MSC Principles and Criteria and the precautionary approach. A precautionary
approach is explicit in fishery management policy, statements and actions from the MFAR and DFAR.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Clear long-term objectives that
Long-term objectives to guide decision-
guide decision-making, consistent Clear long-term objectives that guide decision-making,
making, consistent with MSC Principles
with MSC Principles and Criteria consistent with MSC Principles and Criteria and the
and Criteria and the precautionary
and the precautionary approach, precautionary approach, are explicit within and required
approach, are implicit within
are explicit within management by management policy
management policy
policy
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG 60 CONDITIONAL PASS
Rationale: The government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to a precautionary approach to fishery management
are stated within the national policy for fishery management. Long term objectives, short term developments
and actual practices are not always consistent with the pre cautionary approach.
Target
Long term objectives of the management policy for the SLBSC fishery are consistent with a pre cautionary
approach.
Further development and actual fishing practices are consistent with a precautionary approach.
Data Sources
MFAR Fishery Ten Year Policy (2009 – 2016 / 2016 -2015)
SEASL SLBSC Fishery Improvement Project reports and web site
222) 3.1.5 Incentives for Sustainable Fishing: No incentives for sustainable fishing have been formulated,
discussed, agreed or are being promoted by participants in the SLBSC fishery. The rapid development of
the SLBSC fishery, following the end of the civil conflict in 2009, is itself a key incentive to further
improve and subsequently sustain the fishery. Following the end of the conflict, seafood companies
were swift to establish collecting centres, linkages with local traders and processing facilities in
previously conflict affected districts of the Northern Province. These interventions linked the SLBSC
resource in the northwest to international markets. The price of a kilo of SLBSC quintupled and the
SLBSC was established. The principal incentive for sustaining the fishery is likely to be financial, with
benefits accruing to all participants in the fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The management system provides for The management system provides for incentives that are
The management system
incentives that are consistent with consistent with achieving the outcomes expressed by MSC
provides for incentives that are
achieving the outcomes expressed by Principles 1 and 2, and explicitly considers incentives in a
consistent with achieving the
MSC Principles 1 and 2, and seeks to regular review of management policy or procedures to
outcomes expressed by MSC
ensure that negative incentives do not ensure that they do not contribute to unsustainable fishing
Principles 1 and 2.
arise practices
SLBSC Fishery Score = < SG 60 FAIL
Rationale: The management system does not currently provide any social or economic incentives for sustainable
fishing. Government fuel subsidies (if any) may contribute to unsustainable fishing.
Target
Identification and introduction of economic and social incentives that promote sustainable fishing
Discontinuation of subsidies (if any) that contribute to unsustainable fishing
Data Sources
MFAR Fishery Ten Year Policy (2009 – 2016 / 2016 -2015)
SEASL SLBSC Fishery Improvement Project reports and web site
59
3.2 Fishery Specific Management System
223) 3.2.1 Fishery Specific Policy Objectives: No policy objectives specific to the SLBSC fishery have been
formulated, discussed, agreed or are promoted by participants in the SLBSC fishery. Representatives of
key participants in the fishery have clear and strongly held views on a number of policy objectives for
future policy decisions or regulations. These include the need to reduce the harvest of small crabs; a
reduction in the harvest of female crabs with eggs; introduction of measures to mitigate the impact of
harvesting females with eggs; stronger enforcement of the ban on monofilament nets and the
implementation on the ban on trawling.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
Objectives, which are broadly Short and long term objectives, Well defined and measurable short and long term
consistent with achieving the which are consistent with achieving objectives, which are demonstrably consistent with
outcomes expressed by MSC’s the outcomes expressed by MSC’s achieving the outcomes expressed by MSC’s
Principles 1 and 2, are implicit within Principles 1 and 2, are explicit within Principles 1 and 2, are explicit within the fishery
the fishery management system. the fishery management system management system.
SLBSC Fishery Score = < SG 60 FAIL
Rationale: There are no specific objectives associated with the SLBSC fishery.
Target
Formulation and agreement by participants on short term and long term objectives for the SLBSC
fishery.
Data Sources
SEASL SLBSC Fishery Improvement Project reports and web site
DFAR SLBSC Fishery Management Plan
224) 3.2.2 Decision Making Processes: No mechanism currently exists to facilitate fishery specific
management decision making processes within and between participants in the SLBSC fishery.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
There are established decision-making processes that result in
Decision-making processes respond
measures and strategies to achieve the fishery-specific
There are informal decision- to all issues identified in relevant
objectives.
making processes that result research, monitoring, evaluation
Decision-making processes respond to serious and other
in measures and strategies and consultation, in a transparent,
important issues identified in relevant research, monitoring,
to achieve the fishery- timely and adaptive manner and
evaluation and consultation, in a transparent, timely and
specific objectives. take account of the wider
adaptive manner and take account of the wider implications of
implications of decisions.
decisions.
Decision-making processes Decision-making processes use the precautionary approach and
respond to serious issues are based on best available information. Formal reporting to all interested
identified in relevant Explanations are provided for any actions or lack of action stakeholders describes how the
research, monitoring, associated with findings and relevant recommendations management system responded to
evaluation and consultation, emerging from research, monitoring, evaluation and review findings and relevant
in a transparent, timely and activity. recommendations emerging from
adaptive manner and take research, monitoring, evaluation
some account of the wider and review activity.
implications of decisions.
SLBSC Fishery Score = < SG 60 FAIL
Rationale: No decision making processes are in place to indentify measures or strategies to achieve fishery
specific objectives, because fishery specific objectives have yet to be formulated, agreed and implemented.
Target
Formulation and agreement by participants on the short term and long term objectives of the SLBSC
fishery.
Decision making processes that result in measures or strategies to achieve the fishery-specific objectives;
respond to serious and other important issues; utilise a precautionary approach and or justify reasons for
not responding to new findings or recommendations emerging from research, monitoring, evaluation
and review activity
Data Sources
SEASL SLBSC Fishery Improvement Project reports and web site
60
SEASL SLBSC Steering Committee
DFAR SLBSC Fishery Management Plan
225) 3.2.3 Compliance and Enforcement: The majority of fishermen participating in the SLBSC fishery comply
with the regulations that govern the exploitation and management of the SLBSC fishery. The DFAR’s
enforcement of the regulations that govern the exploitation and management of all fishery resources in
Sri Lanka is satisfactory. Issues of non compliance or lack of enforcement occur, allegedly associated
with local and national political influence.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
A monitoring, control and surveillance A comprehensive monitoring, control and
Monitoring, control and surveillance
system has been implemented in the surveillance system has been implemented
mechanisms exist are implemented in the
fishery under assessment and has in the fishery under assessment and has
fishery under assessment and there is a
demonstrated an ability to enforce relevant demonstrated a consistent ability to
reasonable expectation that they are
management measures, strategies and/or enforce relevant management measures,
effective.
rules. strategies and/or rules.
Sanctions to deal with non-compliance Sanctions to deal with non-compliance Sanctions to deal with non-compliance
exist and there is some evidence that they exist, are consistently applied and thought exist, are consistently applied and
are applied. to provide effective deterrence. demonstrably provide effective deterrence.
Fishers are generally thought to comply Some evidence exists to demonstrate
There is a high degree of confidence that
with the management system for the fishers comply with the management
fishers comply with the management
fishery under assessment, including, when system under assessment, including, when
system under assessment, including,
required, providing information of required, providing information of
providing information of importance to the
importance to the effective management importance to the effective management
effective management of the fishery
of the fishery. of the fishery.
SLBSC Fishery Score = SG 70 CONDITIONAL PASS
Rationale: Monitoring, control and surveillance mechanisms for vessel and gear licences and the prohibition
of illegal fishing gears (e.g., monofilament nets and trawlers) are implemented systematic across the entire
fishery. The monitoring, control and surveillance mechanisms are not comprehensive or consistently applied
across the fishery (i.e., temporally or spatially).
Target
A comprehensive monitoring, control and surveillance system for the fishery, based on the harvest
control tools, the harvest control rule and the harvest control strategy for the fishery.
Sanctions for non compliance are consistently applied, temporally and spatially across the fishery
Data Sources
DFAR SLBSC Fishery Management Plan
DFAR SLBSC Fishery Regulation
226) 3.3.4 Research Plans: No research plans have been proposed, developed or implemented to improve
the fishery management system. No research in support of policy and regulations has been undertaken
on the SLBSC fishery in Sri Lanka. Significant improvements in the security situation in the north and
increased access to the participants in the fishery have now created a viable platform for research.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
A comprehensive research plan provides the
A research plan provides the management
Research is undertaken, as management system with a coherent and strategic
system with a strategic approach to research
required, to achieve the approach to research across P1, P2 and P3, and
and reliable and timely information
objectives consistent with reliable and timely information sufficient to achieve
sufficient to achieve the objectives
MSC’s Principles 1 and 2. the objectives consistent with MSC’s Principles 1 and
consistent with MSC’s Principles 1 and 2.
2.
Research plan and results are disseminated to all
Research results are available Research results are disseminated to all
interested parties in a timely fashion and are widely
to interested parties. interested parties in a timely fashion
and publicly available.
SLBSC Fishery Score = < SG 60 FAIL
Rationale: Only two research studies have been undertaken on the SLBSC fishery by undergraduate students,
neither of which focused on objectives consistent with MSC’s Principles 1 or 2. The research findings have yet
to be published. No research on the SLBSC fishery has been undertaken by the NARA, nor is there any plan to
do so.
Target
61
A research plan encompassing local universities and the NARA, which provides the SLBSC fishery
management system with a strategic approach to research and reliable and timely information sufficient
to achieve the objectives consistent with MSC’s Principles 1 and 2.
The dissemination of research findings to all interested parties in a timely fashion in formats and
languages that facilitate broad understanding
Data Sources
SEASL SLBSC Fishery Improvement Project reports and web site
University Research Programmes
NARA Research Programmes
Sri Lankan Journal of Aquatic Sciences
227) 3.3.5 Monitoring and Management Performance Evaluation: No mechanisms are in place to monitor or
evaluate the management performance of the SLBSC fishery management system. Individual and
institutional capacity is available at the village, divisional, district and national level, which could be used
to monitor the progress of new or modified fishing practices introduced to improve the SLBSC fishery.
Adequate external resources - individual and organisational - necessary to evaluate the management
performance of fishery improvement practices, are available in Sri Lanka and internationally.
Performance Indicators
SG 60 SG 80 SG 100
The fishery has in place mechanisms to The fishery has in place mechanisms to The fishery has in place mechanisms to
evaluate some parts of the management evaluate key parts of the management evaluate all parts of the management
system and is subject to occasional system and is subject to regular internal and system and is subject to regular internal
internal review. occasional external review and external review
SLBSC Fishery Score = < SG 60 FAIL
Rationale: No mechanisms are in place to evaluate some parts of the management system nor has the
management system been reviewed.
Target
A mechanism is in place that will allow key parts of the management system to be evaluated and which
includes provision for regular internal and occasional external review
Data Sources
SEASL SLBSC Fishery Improvement Project reports and web site
DFAR SLBSC Fishery Management Plan
VI. Recommendations
228) Twenty four recommendations to improve the biological status of the fishery (12 recommendations); to
improve (i.e., reduce) the ecological impact of the fishery (2 recommendations) and to improve the
management of the fishery are proposed.
62
IX. The GOSL should continue to be lobbied and there should be continued advocacy with SLBSC
fishermen to stop illegal trawling by IND and SRL trawlers
X. Technical and financial assistance should be provided to DFAR / MFAR to improve the collection
and analysis of field data and information to monitor the exploitation of Sri Lankan marine
resources.
XI. The assessment report and recommendations should be validated by an MSC approved
independent conformity body (CAB)
XII. Preparations should be made to undertake or commission an assessment of the status of the
SLBSC stock after the improvements to the SLBSC fishery outlined in the assessment report have
been satisfactorily achieved
XIV. A study should be commissioned to further investigate the interaction between the SLBSC fishery
and key marine habitats in the vicinity of the fishery.
63
Anne A A Comparative Analysis of the Current Status of FIP for four BSC Fisheries
Change practices (no take of small crabs/juveniles, no take of egg-bearing females), increase
the stocks, develop policies that protect and sustain crabs (including protection of nursery
ground, spawning area).
Develop a management plan for Indonesian blue swimming crab that includes community
FIP Objectives
resources management that protects nursery ground; produce a control document.
Implement FIP workplan that includes development of the management plan, community-
based management, communication and awareness, nursery and spawning grounds
protection projects, as well as a hatchery project.
64
Annex A continued
Country Philippines (BSC)
Overview
Lead Agency South East Asia Crab Roundtable
Participants 06 – all processing companies. No participation of producer organisations
Stakeholders 19 Importers (US?), ministry, local government, NFI CC
Inaugurated 2010 – Informal. FIP not established
Current Stage FIP 4 - delivering improvement in policies or practices
Encourage industry to follow the LG existing minimum legal size regulation in areas where such
regulations exist
Development of control document - he suppliers will not accept undersized crabs and berried
FIP females; buyers can conduct audits or inspections to see how the policy has been implemented.
Recommendations Support the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on the creation of Joint DA-DILG Fisheries
Administrative Order defining the implementing rules and regulations
Encourage industry and the government to adopt science-based policies
Extend technical and scientific support to PACPI
At least two units of stocks; plan to conduct MSC Assessment in 1990, but no one prepared. Rapid
growth and expansion; symptoms of overfishing, evidence of exceeding MSY; threat of collapse if no
Background
reforms are introduced; ecosystem impacts from irresponsible fishing practices including entangling
gill nets (trammel nets); juveniles caught as retained by catch.
Crab Market FAO export data
Establishment of
Not formally established?
FIP
2010, the SFP-PACPI joint workplan was developed, implemented for the entire duration of calendar
years (CY) 2010 and 2011
2011 - release hatchery-reared crabs to the wild;, action plan to improve the sustainability of the BSC
industry through supporting minimum purchased crab size
sustainability policy that will restrict the purchasing of female crabs bearing eggs or "berried" females
2012 radio infomercial in the Province of Negros Occidental; a new workplan for 2012, with a focus on
Progress Update stock assessments, biological and ecological studies, stock enhancement through hatchery rearing,
holding of berried individuals, and resource management; Blue Swimming Crab Management Plan;
Provincial Ordinance 2012-093 primarily banning the trade and landings of BSC with less than 11-cm
carapace width;
(NFARMC) adopted the BSC Management Plan, which would serve as the national framework towards
the sustainability of the BSC resources in the Philippines
Drafting of the Joint DA-DILG Fisheries Administrative Order
Details
There are indications that the fishery is suffering over-exploitation.
MSY drastically exceeded (no. panels)
Current Status 2013
Growth over fishing from push nets
High impact on ecosystem – molluscs, juvenile sharks, rays
Status at
Same as current
Commencement
SFP - No other ranking system
Details of Status
MBA Seafood Watch: BSC - Not Listed
FIP Launched (Stage 1)
Sustainability evaluation is available publicly
FIP is formed (Stage 2)
Suppliers are organized
FIP Programme FIP Encouraging
Updates Improvements (Stage 3)
FIP members engaging regulators
Responsible buyers have shifted purchasing patterns
FIP delivering improvements in policies and/or fishing practices (Stage 4)
Improvement in government policy
65
Annex A continued
Country Mexico (Gulf of California) – Not a BSC Fishery
Overview
Lead Agency SFP
Participants 02 Processor / exporters. no representatives from producers?
Stakeholders Government and universities
Launched 2008
Current Stage FIP 4 - delivering improvement in policies or practices
Request the development and implementation of a management plan
Current Request the legal verification of fishing gear
Recommendations Improve the landings registry and provide information to INAPESCA for stock evaluations
Mexico is one of the leading exporters to the US. 60% from the pacific coast; mostly small scale
fishers; numbers of boats, three states account for 90% of catches. Regulated by the government,
Background
includes legal minimum size, restrictions on no. boats and gears, egg bearing females and type of
bait. Fishery defined as at MSY. Recommendation against any increase in effort.
Crab Market US export data and value. Destination US
FIP Established 2008
Develop a new stock assessment for the three stocks to identify if the limit reference points
are appropriate for the stocks’ status.
Develop a fishery management plan.
FIP Objectives
Evaluate environmental impacts of the fishery, including bycatch extent and composition and
habitat impacts.
Achieve MSC certification
2009 MSC pre-assessment conducted by MRAG-Americas and FIP members.
2010 - FIP agreed on the fishery and fishery bycatch monitoring protocol developed by
INAPESCA, COBI AC, and CEDO.
2011 - Stock assessment for the Northern Sonora region concluded; fishery and bycatch
monitoring covering all of the fishing grounds.
2012 - The fishery management plan proposal was finished; Request legal verification of
Progress Update suppliers fishing gear and enforcement on minimum legal size requirements on the landing
places. Evaluation of fishery impacts concluded
2013 - FIP sent letter to the new CONAPESCA commissioner to present the project, request a
meeting to discuss the improvements needed and request the fishery management plan
formalization FIP sent letter to Sinaloa state government to request their collaboration to
implement training programs to fishermen on the regulations and capture post-harvest
handling
Details
Status 2013 Same as at commencement
Status 2008 Fully exploited
SFP - No other ranking systems used
Details of Status
MBA Seafood Watch: Swimming Crab - Not listed
FIP Launched (Stage 1)
Sustainability evaluation is available publicly
Best practices guidance publicly available
FIP Formed
Suppliers are organized
Suppliers are evaluating this fishery
FIP Encouraging
Improvements (Stage 3)
FIP Programme
Workplan with annual improvement milestones is publicly available Responsible buyers have
Updates
shifted purchasing patterns
Suppliers are engaging regulators
FIP delivering improvements in policies and/or fishing practices (Stage 4)
Fishery is achieving agreed annual improvement milestones
Fisheries policy changed
Fisheries practices changed
The fishery management system is more precautionary
Managers are following scientific advice more closely
66
Annex A continued
Country Russia (Far East Fisheries Basin) – Not a BSC Fishery
Overview
Lead Agency RFE CCA latterly supported by SFP
Participants 13 Members – fishing companies / exporters (RFE CCA) and SFP
Stakeholders ?
Launched Not launched, formal FIP not established. Pre – planning commenced 2011
Current Stage FIP Stage 0 – Pre Planning Stage?
Take measures to address IUU fishing:
Enhance public availability of crab data; develop FishSource crab fisheries profiles.
Seek long-term options for crab fisheries certification.
Current Engage North Pacific and European buyers to participate in the FIP establishment and its work.
Recommendations Encourage more Russian suppliers to join the Russian Far East Crab Catchers Association (CCA)
and participate in the FIP establishment and its work.
Develop a CCA website with a special section highlighting FIP work progress and other
developments.
Fishery is focused on 8 species; two king crab species suffering from overfishing due to IUU. Fishing
now prohibited. Snow crabs stable over recent years; 87 – 92% of TAC. Fishing using pots and
traps. TAC’s discussed publically. Catch stats lower due to IUU; flags of convenience. Bilateral
Background
agreements underway to prevent IUU and trade in IUU caught seafood. Agreement with Korea
2012. Russia / Japan ban on poaching crabs in Russian administered waters. Measures need to
prevent trading in illegally caught crab.
Crab Market Export markets to Japan, Korea, US, China, Canada
2009 RFE Crab Catchers Association formed. 13 fishing companies. SFP contacted CCA with MOU.
Establishment of FIP
MOU signed 2012. Workplan for joint cooperation approved in 2012.
FIP not Established.
to systematically work on improving governance of crab resources and
to eradicate IUU crab fishing and export of illegally caught crabs and their products
FIP Objectives Developing FishSource crab fishery profiles and enhancing public access to crab stock
assessment and management data.
long term, the FIP will consider options for protecting fisheries through certification
Work on supply chain engagement and fishery evaluation for improvement purposes was
started in 2011
Progress Update Mapping a complete network of companies taking part in trading Russian crabs in order to
exclude middleman traders and identify final buyers. The latter will be approached and invited
to participate in the proposed FIP.
Details
Status 2013 Same as at commencement
Two king crab species suffering from overfishing due to IUU. Fishing now prohibited. Snow
Status at
crabs stable over recent years;
Commencement
Other species 87 – 92% of TAC.
Sustainability information on Fishsource
Details of Status MBA Seafood Watch: Red King Crab – Avoid
MBA Seafood Watch: Snow Crab – Not listed
FIP Pre Planning (Stage 0)
CCA work on its website is in progress
full member of All-Russia Association of Fishery Enterprises and Exporters
identified a number of fishery improvement needs - Introduction of compulsory minimum crab
FIP Programme
catch size by crab species and vessel types; Maintenance of a list of vessels (based on fishing
Updates
permits) that can legally harvest crab
publicized in media its work on crab FIP with a reference to Walmart policy on procuring
seafood from sustainable sources & cooperation with SFP
A FIP roundtable meeting was hosted in Boston in March 2013
67
Annex B Consultant’s Terms of Reference
1. Description of the Assignment: The commercial fishery for the Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus
pelagicus) situated off the north western and northern coast of Sri Lanka has undergone a rapid
expansion since the end of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka in 2009. Increased access to the fishery,
significant reductions in marketing constraints and strong demand for Blue Swimming Crab (SLBSC)
from local and international seafood processors and exporters have combined to elevate the
commercial importance of the coastal fishery for SLBSC in northern Sri Lanka.
In recognition of these changes, the Seafood Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL) proposes to
initiate the design, development and introduction of a Fisheries Improvement Plan (FIP) for the SLBSC
fishery off the northwest and northern coast of Sri Lanka. The purpose of researching, designing and
ultimately implementing a FIP for the SLBSC fishery off the northwest and northern coast of Sri Lanka
is to achieve independently verifiable improvements to the ways in which the SLBSC fishery operates.
In the longer term the SEASL hopes that these changes will enable the fishery to ultimately achieve
the Marine Stewardship Council’s Fishery Standard for a Sustainable Fishery.
The design, development and introduction of a Fishery Improvement Plan (FIP) for the SLBSC fishery
off the northwest and northern coast of Sri Lanka by the SEASL is being undertaken with financial
assistance provided by the National Fisheries Institute’s Crab Council.
2. Scope of Work: The Consultant will undertake to complete the following activities in collaboration
with the members of the SEASL, in connection with the research and design of a FIP for the SLBSC
fishery off northwest and northern coast of Sri Lanka:
a. The completion of an assessment of the SLBSC fishery off the northern coast of Sri Lanka,
inclusive of but not restricted to
The official launch of FIP for SLBSC in Sri Lanka
A review of SLBSC FIPs & 2° data to SLBSC in Sri Lanka
Field collection of 1° data from all relevant stakeholders
Drafting and finalising a fishery assessment report
Completion of a Scoping Document for the SLBSC off the northern coast of Sri Lanka
b. The formulation of a Work Plan and Budget for the SLBSC FIP for the period 2013 to 2015,
inclusive of but not restricted to
The design & development of draft Work Plan
The presentation of the Scoping Document & discussion of draft Work Plan with relevant
stakeholders
The drafting of a budget of the revised work plan
Completion of the final Work Plan and Budget for 2013 – 2015
3. Duration of the Assignment: The assignment will be completed within a period of three months,
st st
commencing on Thursday 1 August 2013 and terminating on or before the 31 October 2013.
68
4. Deliverables
The Consultant will complete and submit the following deliverables to the SEASL in accordance with
the due date indicated.
1.0 A Fishery Assessment Report that examines the past and present status and
knowledge about the SLBSC fishery (i.e., biological, ecological, social, th
30 September
economic, political and legal) in a sustainability context off the north and
northwest coast of Sri Lanka
2.0 A Scoping Document that sets out the main findings in the Fishery Assessment
th
Report and the key challenges that will need to be addressed by the FIP for the 30 September
SLBSC fishery
3.0 A two year Work Plan and Budget to improve the SLBSC fishery off the north
and northwest coast of Sri Lanka, which set out stakeholder responsibilities st
31 October
that will address data deficiencies and sustainability issues identified in the
Fishery Assessment and Scoping Document
In addition to the above the Consultant is required to provide short monthly reports to the SEASL
documenting the progress of the assignment and highlighting any problems or constraints
encountered.
69
Annex C Main assessment criteria and sub criteria used during the field survey
a) The geographic location, boundary(ies) and seasonality and history of the fishery
b) No. and distribution of fish landing centres
c) Type(s) and number of fishing craft(s), gear(s), fishermen (and women) engaged in harvesting
SLBSC in each location
d) Boat & gear combinations - Sequential or simultaneous gear use
e) Social characteristics of the fishery in each location
f) Structure and function of organisations representing fishermen (and women), collectors,
processors, exporters, regulatory authorities and advisory bodies (i.e., fishery research and
development) in relation to the management of the SLBSC fishery.
g) Economic characteristics of the fishery in each location – capital cost, operating costs, CPUE (kg /
LKR), income and profitability, including any subsidies paid to fishermen
h) Employment characteristics of the fishery in each operational level : involvement of men and
women in harvesting, post harvest and processing, including regulations, terms and conditions
i) Supply chain characteristics: local, provincial, national market linkages, post harvest processing
and products, export destinations
j) The SLBSC fishery in the context of other local fisheries, relative economic and social importance
a) Types, quantities and providence of by-catch from the SLBSC fishery (commercial / non
commercial; retained / discarded)
b) Estimates or assessments of the population status of by-catch (commercial / non commercial;
retained / discarded)
c) Extent of impacts of the SLBSC fishery on predator and prey populations and ecosystem
consequences
d) Presence/ absence of endangered, threatened or protected (ETP) species in the fishing areas
(e.g., whales, dolphins, dugong, turtles, seabirds, corals, rare fish, sea fans) and the impact of the
SLBSC fishery (fishing gear): review of independent studies, reviews, recommendations on the
same.
e) Presence/ absence of habitats critical to SLBSC or ETP species and or rare or uncommon habitats
within fishery area(s) and the impact of the SLBSC fishery (fishing gear): review of independent
studies, reviews, recommendations on the same.
f) Independent assessments of overall impacts on the ecosystem of the SLBSC fishery and other
local fisheries: independent reports, reviews Independent studies of overall ecosystem effects of
the fishery and any objective(s) or controls to minimise effects
70
IV. The Management of the SLBSC Fishery
a) Formal procedures through which fishing effort and catch (including by-catch) are recorded /
estimated by regulatory authorities, sources of information (including fishermen).
b) Informal procedures through which fishing effort and catch (including by-catch) are recorded /
estimated by other stakeholders (e.g., traders / processors), sources of information (including
fishermen).
c) Current estimate of the abundance / status of the stock(s), stock size and the use of such data to
calculate total allowable catch / sustainable yields i.e., the current status of the fishery
d) Formal fishery management legislation and regulations conventions pertaining to the SLBSC
fishery – minimum size limits, gear restrictions, fishing areas).
e) Informal fishery management regulations / conventions (i.e., developed enforced by fishermen)
pertaining to the SLBSC fishery.
f) Assessment of the scope for and extent of dialogue / consultations between organisations and
institutions, including improved fishery management and dispute resolution.
g) Present of any stock enhancement programmes / impact thereof. (Jeremy’s Note: Also, be
sceptical for Stock Enhancement initiatives, because although it helps people rally around a
cause, the dialogue now is that we need measurable outputs that this is indeed is having a
positive effect to the stock – help develop a reseeding protocol – a full proof approach would
be minimum size limitations based on spawning maturity and no berried–females, as well as
no fishing areas (close to coastal proximities).
h) The extent of local compliance and effective of any such controls, including the means of
surveillance by relevant authorities
i) Prevalence (if any) of illegal, unreported or unregulated catch and actions taken
71
Annex D Completed interview schedule for the SLBSC fishery Assessment
August 2013
72
September 2013
73
Annex E List of the agencies, organisations and individuals who generously contributed information,
comments and suggestions to improve the SLBSC Fishery
74
Annex F List of the scientific papers, technical reports and guidelines reviewed during the SLBSC
fishery assessment
75
Author Year Title & Publication
India.
Guidance Note: Testing the Technical Performance Equivalency of
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Web Different Wild Seafood Certification Systems Compared to the
Marine Stewardship
Fisheries Improvement Plan Tool Kit (Initiation, Development
Work Plan, Detailed Work Plan, White Paper, Budgeting,
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Web
Agreements, Implementation, Annual Public Work Plans,
Communication).
Overview & Details: Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Fishery
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership 2013
Improvement Project
Overview & Details: Philippine Blue Swimming Crab Fishery
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership 2013
Improvement Project
Overview & Details: Gulf of California Blue Swimming Crab Fishery
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership 2013
Improvement Project
Overview & Details: Russian Far East Crab Fishery Improvement
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership 2013
Project
Micro Report # 100. Analysis of the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka.
USAID 2008 Guided case studies for value chain development in conflict-
affected environments.
76
Annex G Schematic representation of the FIP Steering Committee to improve the SLBSC fishery
Working Definitions
FIP Member: Restricted to representatives of the fishing community, seafood companies and the
government of Sri Lanka who are directly engaged in the exploitation, export and
management of the SLBSC fishery. Responsible for designing, implementing,
monitoring and evaluating the SLBSC FIP. FIP members will have access to all FIP
documents and data.
FIP Partner: Open to organisations that agree to support FIP members and or to implement
activities set out in the Long Term Development Plan and the Annual
Implementation Plans of the SLBSC FIP. FIP Partners will be provided with access to
selected FIP documents only.
University
ILO UN IOM
LEED
Fishing
Communities
NFF CC
Government
FAO UN
UNDP
77