A goal programming evaluation of fisheries development plans for Sri Lanka's coastal fishing fleet, 1988–1991

Abstract

Most fisheries planning targets of the Government of Sri Lanka have been underachieved. The ad hoc nature of selecting targets and resource allocations has been cited as a major reason for this underachievement. The primary reason given for the arbitrary selection of targets is the lack of survey research. Given this constraint, planners must analyze as many different alternative plans as possible and then choose the best one. In addition, goal comparisons often cannot be made using a common unit of measure, for example rupees (Rs.) allocated for subsidy versus hours of training for crew members. To assist planners in analyzing alternative plans, while accounting for sometimes conflicting objectives, goal programming was used to optimize the achievement of Sri Lanka's fisheries development targets for the planning period 1988–1991. The plan that most closely achieved planning targets favored a suspension of subsidy programs and the introduction of an 80% loan on boats and engines. The results also showed that a 20% subsidy on inboard and outboard boat hulls and engines, 20% on purchasing engines for non-mechanized traditional boats and 50% on the purchase of non-mechanized traditional boats met or exceeded planned targets.