Role of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in livelihoods of the rural fishers of Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to assess to what extent Macrobrachium rosenbergii culture in reservoir is sustainable and whether it has the potential to provide a livelihood option for reservoir fishers. Fisheries and socio-economic data collection were conducted from 2016 January to 2018 December in five perennial reservoirs in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Results revealed that culture-based fisheries and the introduction of M. rosenbergii in the five selected reservoirs have achieved considerable success and resulted in significant increases in fish production, income of fishers, availability of fresh fish for the rural communities and livelihood opportunities for fishing families. Socio-economic factors such as, age, fisheries experience, fish catch of the previous day, market value, household status and livelihood diversification influenced reservoir fishing. Low rainfall, strong wind, high temperature, over-growth of aquatic plants and algal blooms wildlife attacks and theft of fishing gear were identified as key stressors.