A Synthesis on the Management of the Capture Fisheries of Sri Lankan Perennial Reservoirs

Abstract

Sri Lankan reservoir fishery is one of the best documented in the South East Asian region. It is very productive and the average fish yield in reservoirs of the country is about 300 kg ha-I, yr". Nevertheless the Sri Lankan reservoir fishery is not managed scientifically and in some reservoirs, fish stocks are over-exploited. Since recently, some studies have been carried out on the aspects of management of the capture fisheries in perennial reservoirs of the country. Empirical yield prediction models are found to be useful for setting limits to the size of the fishery. Also by employing surplus yield predictive models, maximum sustainable yield and optimal fishing intensity have been estimated to be 256 kg ha'" yr-I and 3.2 boats km? respectively. Dynamic pool models are also reliably applicable for the reservoir fisheries of Sri Lanka. Fish yields in reservoirs could further be increased by introducing a subsidiary gillnet fishery for minor cyprinids. Socioeconomics of fishing communities should be better understood for effective implementation of fisheries management strategies in Sri Lankan reservoirs.