Identify association of appropriate technological application with per capita income of small scale fishing household - a case of Jaffna small scale fishing community, Srilanka

Abstract

Fishing is vital not only for nutrition supplementary but also livelihood of millions of people. Uninterrupted supply of sufficient and quality fish stocks without affecting marine eco system is ideal for sustainability fishing. However, balancing between sustainability of marine ecosystem, market equilibrium and livelihood of fishing and fishing dependent community is a challenge. Technological application is one of approach to overcome the sustainability of fishing activities. Technological applications are diversified as 1) technology in fishing vessels, fishing gears, equipment and so on. 2) Technology application in information sharing and digital applications such as Global Positioning System (GPS), mobile phone application under Global System of Mobile Communication and 3) Technological application in fishing infrastructure such as cold room, transport equipment and so on. Small scale fishing community depends on labour intensive whereas large scale commercial fishing industries attribute on capital deepening. Adaptation of technology depends on several factors such as financial capability and technology know how. The study examined which technological application is appropriate to small scale fishing activities in Sri Lanka since 90 percent of fishing were carried out by small scale fishers (Fisheries Year Book 2018/19). Primary sample data were collected by structured interview from household level fishing community in Jaffna, North of Sri Lanka. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlation statistical techniques. The study revealed that information technology especially application of GPS, Internet and mobile coverage in order to obtain fish catch and market information followed by digital sensor application in fishing gear had positive impact on maintain sustainable fishing catches of small-scale fishing activities. In addition, strict law enforcement and monitoring of poaching vessels such as Indian trawlers using radar technology with coordination of fisheries cooperative societies was an essential requirement of small-scale fishing community as external support with regard to sustain fishing stock of the region and their livelihood.