BOBLME-2013-Ecology-07 · 2015. 5. 7. · Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara Head Oceanographic Division Faculty of Fisheries & Marine Science Technology University of Ruhuna Wellamadama,

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BOBLME-2013-Ecology-07

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal and development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The BOBLME Project encourages the use of this report for study, research, news reporting, criticism or review. Selected passages, tables or diagrams may be reproduced for such purposes provided acknowledgment of the source is included. Major extracts or the entire document may not be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the BOBLME Project Regional Coordinator. BOBLME contract: PSA-RAPRD 50/3/2013 For bibliographic purposes, please reference this publication as: BOBLME (2013) Development of Sri Lanka national plan of action for conservation and management of sharks consolidated stakeholder consultation report, June 2013 Sri Lanka. BOBLME-2013-Ecology-07

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DEVELOPMENT OF SRI LANKA NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR CONSERVATION AND MANGEMENT OF

SHARKS

CONSOLIDATED STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION REPORT

July 2013 Conducted by Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency with assistance from Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

BOBLME Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

CBO Community based organization

CFHC Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Corporation

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora

CMS Convention on migratory species

CPUE Catch per unit effort

DFAR Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

DOC Department of Customs

DWL Department of Wildlife

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation

IOTC Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

IPOA Sharks International Plan of action for conservation and management of sharks

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUU fishing Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

NPOA Sharks National Plan of action for conservation and management of sharks

NARA National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

MCS Monitoring, Control and Surveillance

RFMO Regional Fisheries Management Organization

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CONTENTS

1. ITRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………….4 2. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS Consultation No 1- Matara stakeholder consultation……………………………….5-11 Consultation No 2 – Negombo stakeholder consultation…………………………..12-19 Consultation No 3 – Kalutara stakeholder consultation……………………………20-28 3. COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS 3.1. Trends and status of the Elasmobranch fishery…………………………………29-31 3.2. Issues/Needs identified………………………………………………………..31-32 3.3. Actions/Activities recommended……………………………………………..33-35 4. CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………36 ANNEX 1 -Background report used for stakeholder consultations……………………37-39

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1. INTRODUCTION The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development with the assistance from the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem project initiated the development of Sri Lanka National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA-Sharks) in line with FAO IPOA-Sharks with inputs from stakeholders obtained through three of stakeholder consultation workshops held in major shark landing areas of Sri Lanka. A brief report highlighting the international initiatives in shark fishery management, (FAO IPOA,RFMO,CITES and CMS),status of shark fishery and management initiatives taken in Sri Lanka was prepared based on the NARA review of information to be used as input in the stakeholder consultation on developing the NPOA. (Annex 1) The objective of the workshops was to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the development of Sri Lanka NPOA through their comments/suggestions/recommendations as follows:

• Comments/validation on the available information on status of shark and ray resources, capture methods, trade and utilisation, their economics,

• Discuss problems/issues in conservation and management of shark resources and

• Recommend measures and strategies to address problems in conservation and management.

This document compiled and analysed the stakeholder comments/inputs received from a wide range of stakeholders, including the district level fishery organizations, fishers, traders, DFAR, NARA, Universities, Government Departments, fishery officials, and IUCN at the stakeholder consultation workshops held in June 2013 at Matara, Negombo and Beruwala for the formulation of NPOA sharks. \

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2. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS Consultation No: 1 Matara Stakeholder Consultation Districts Covered: Matara district Date of Consultation: 08 June 2013 Place of Consultation: Matara No of participants: 52 participants from DFAR, NARA, Sri Lanka Navy, University of Ruhuna, Fishers, traders, and Fisheries CBO/NGOs in the Matara district.

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Name Designation & Address Mr. N.D.Hettiarachchi

Director General Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Mr. A.D.P.C.Wijegunawardana Director (Management) Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Ms. H.L.N.S.Herath

Assistant Director (Management) Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Ms.H.P.K.Hewawpathirana Biologist Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Mr. E.A.A.Abeyasiri Legal Assistant Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Mr. K.Suraj Chandrakumara Fishery ResourcesA.G.L.A. Management Assistant Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Mr. J.A.D.B. Jayasooriya Statistician Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Mr. S. Sooryaarachchi Director General National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency &

Dr. S.S.K. Haputhantri

Head/Marine Biological Research Division National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency & National Coordinator/BOBLME Project

Ms. D.N.A.Ranmadugala

Research Officer National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr R.A.M. Jayathilake Research Officer National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr.U.Liyanage Research Officer National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr. L.Ranawala Sampler National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr. W.Palitha Sampler National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

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Mr.A.G.L.A.Sumith Kumara Assistant Director District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr.S.U. S. Samaranayaka

Divisional Fisheries Inspector District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr. S.K.E. Hewavitharana Divisional Fisheries Inspector District Fisheries Office Matara

Ms. T.K.S.N. Karunaratne

Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr. W.A. Wimalasiri Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr.A.N. Aluthwatta Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr. G.V. Kapila Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr. M.K. Sunil Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Ms. Dulani Weragoda Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr. U.S.Weerasinghe Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Mr. H.P. Chaminda Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Matara

Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara Head Oceanographic Division Faculty of Fisheries & Marine Science Technology University of Ruhuna Wellamadama, Matara

Commander Rohitha Abesinghe Commander Sri Lanka Navy Tangalle

Mr. U.H..Nihal . Multiday boat owner Suduwella, Kottagoda

Mr. Sahan Daluwaththa Multiday boat owner 130, Thotamuna, Matara.

Mr. L.G.S.Sudath , Skipper

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Harbour Road, Mirissa. Mr. M.T.Chamindalal , Boat owner

Pamburana, Matara. Mr. T.H.Jayantha OFRP boat owner

Thotupala lane, Fort, Matara. Mr. P.M.Mahesh Rangana OFRP boat owner

Bandaranayaka Mw, Devinuwara. Mr. A.W.P. Asanka Sanjeewa, OFRP boat owner

No.84, Bandaranayaka Mw, Devinuwara. Mr. L.H.Jagath Udaya Kumara Mutiday Boat Owner

No.11/4, 5th cross rd, noope, Matara. Mr. T.B.Sarath , OFRP boat owner

Uswatta, Gandara. Mr. T.H.Dayananda ORFP boat Skipper

Gandara. Mr. E.P.Chandana Multiday boat owner

Weligama Mr. A.P.K.Jayaratne Multiday boat owner

Weligama Mr. W.N.R.P. Manoj ORFP boat Skipper

Mirissa Mr. P.M. Dinesh Sanjeewa ORFP boat Skipper

Devinuwara Mr. S.H. Gunasena Fisherman

Talarama Mr. K.H.Bindusena,“ Shark Oil Producer

Bandula”, Waraya para,Mirissa. Mr. K.H.Nishantha OFRP boat owner/Skipper

Sunanda road, Mirissa. Mr.M.T.Kamesh Multiday boat owner

Matara Mr. M.N.Janath Skipper

Suduwella, Kottegoda Mr.M.T.Yasaratne Skipper

Totamuna, Matara Mr.G.H.Sumanadasa Multiday boat owner

Harbour Road, Mirissa Mr.A.A.Samarakoon Fisherman

Gandara Mr. K.H.Lalith Kumara Diver

Polhena,Matara Mr. H.W.Wickramapala Secretary

Matara District Fisheries Union Matara

Mr. H.S.G.Fernando

Shark Fisheries Management Planning Consultant

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INPUTS FROM PARTICIPANTS 1. CURRENT STATUS OF SHARK FISHERY IN THE MATARA DISTRICT 1.1Thresher shark fishery Thresher shark fishery as a target fishery was conducted as a traditional fishery in the Matara district till the imposition of ban in 2012. The boats engaged in this fishery consisted of 325 no of 17’-23’ FRP boats fitted with outboard motors and 80 nos of day boats fitted with inboard engines using shark long line. The fishing ground are located about 7 nautical miles from the coast at a depth of about 100m.Fishing was confined to 30-35 days during period from December to April (highest in March).The catch consisted of around 99% of thresher sharks and around 1% of big eye tuna, gulper shark,carangid, skipjack and bill fish. This fishery was stopped after banning of catching thresher sharks in 2012 by regulations made under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, no.2 of 1996.in response to the IOTC Resolution on prohibition of catching thresher sharks in area of IOTC convention. Thresher sharks were also caught as by catch in the drift gill net fishery operated by multiday boats in Pottana-Pottuvil area. Increase of thresher sharks population has been observed during past years.

1.2 Shark by-catch Shark are mostly caught incidentally in drift gill nets and other gears operated mainly by multiday fishing boats. When sea is dark and not clear, sharks come close to the surface in search of food and get entangled in nets. 1.3 Ecotourism The eco-tourism activities which started about five years back in this district are fast gaining in popularity during the last 2 years. Whales (Blue whales as well as fin whales, sei whales, sperm whales, killer whales), dolphins, flying fish, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks can all be seen a few miles off Mirissa in the South Coast of Sri Lanka and is a strong lure for the tourists. At present Sri Lanka Navy and about 10 private companies are operating whale watching tours from Mirissa harbour from November until April.

2. ISSUES/NEEDS IDENTIFIED 2.1 Lack of quality data due to non reporting of by-catch and difficulty to identify down to the

species level. 2.2 Shortage of shark fishery experts due to non access to technical training and lack of funds

required 2.3 Lack of understanding on the need for conservation and management of shark resources 2.4 Results of research/data analysis not communicated to fisherman 2.5 Not getting involvement of fishermen in research work 2.6 No fair price for shark fins and meat although a competitive market is present in some areas 2.7 Absence of standards for boats used for ecotourism 2.8 Disturbances to whale sharks caused by movements of boats used for ecotourism 2.9 Difficulties experienced in releasing the prohibited species (Thresher sharks) caught

incidentally 2.10 Loss of income due to prohibition of thresher sharks

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2.11 Need for International/regional cooperation in capacity building and Joint surveys 2.12 Need for preparation and implementation of a Regional Plan of Action 2.13 Need for study on ring net fishing with floating objects 2.14 Need for study on thresher sharks populations 2.15 Need for involvement of Fisheries organizations in all aspects of shark management 2.16 Need for direction of fisheries issues/problems to research organizations 3. ACTIONS/ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDED 3.1 Improve data Collection and reporting

• Develop simple shark species Identification guide, handouts & coloured posters for species identification

• Draft declaration forms for sharks • Introduction of latest data storage devices • Law enforcement to improve catch reporting

3.2Conservation and management measures • Explore the possibility of banning of the import of fishing accessories required for the

shark long line • Provision of contact number of relevant enforcement officers (Navy, Coast guard)) for

informing the illegal fishing activities • Close monitoring of prohibited shark species to assess the population recovery (if

depleted) over an extended period • Review and enhancement of administrative, management and conservation measures on

sharks • Introduction of alternative income generating activities for the affected fishermen due to

the prohibition of catching of thresher shark. • Data generated by research and monitoring should be promptly analyzed and the results

should be published in a readily understood style and should be made available for fishers

3.3 Utilization, marketing and trade • Creation of completive market at each harbor • Make standards for boats used for ecotourism • Prepare Whale Shark Guidelines to help regulate interactions with them. • Relaxation of regulations to enable landing of dead thresher sharks caught as incidental

catch. 3.4 Education and awareness

• Develop awareness creation materials such as posters on prohibited shark species and strategies for education and awareness

• Develop guidelines for watching whale sharks

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• Conduct awareness programs for fishermen and fisheries officials on the importance of conservation and management of sharks through Fisheries organizations

• Conduct awareness programmes for fishermen on accurate reporting • Conduct awareness programs on post harvest technology for quality improvement of

shark products • Conduct awareness programs for boat owners and operators on Whale Shark Guidelines

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Consultation No:2 Negombo Stakeholder Consultation Districts Covered: Gampaha district Date of Consultation: 15 June 2013 Place of Consultation: Negombo No of participants: 46 participants from DFAR, NARA, CFHC, DOC, IUCN, Fishers, boat owners, traders and Fisheries CBO/NGOs in the Gampaha district.

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Ms. H.L.N.S.Herath






Ms.U.L.K.Perera Statistical officer Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Mr. S. Sooryaarachchi Director General National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency






Ms. K.H.K.Bandaranayake Research Officer National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr. M.Gammanpila Research Officer National Aquatic Resources Research &

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Development Agency Mr. S.C.V.U. Senevirathna Research Assistant

National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr. J.A.C.Prasad Research Assistant National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr.M.M.W.R. Bandara Assistant Director District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. T.C.Nanayakkara

Divisional Fisheries Inspector District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. D.H.A.J.M.J.Perera Divisional Fisheries Inspector District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. M.S.S.Kumara

Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. E.M.D.S.T. Edirisinghe Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr.L.C.K.Weerawardana Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. D.T.R.Tiranayake Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. A.K.Abeyratne Fishery Social Development Assistant District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr.B.T.A.Pushpa Kumara Fishery Inspector District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. A.A.S.Navarathne Fishery Inspector District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. M.K.W. Fishery Inspector District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. Sunil Wijesinghe Fishery Inspector District Fisheries Office Negombo

Mr. M.M.T.U.K. Marasighe Fishery Inspector District Fisheries Office Negombo

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Mr.M.D.S.Wass Deputy Harbour Manager Fishery Harbour Corporation, Dikowita.

Mr.Gamini H. Peiris Chief Supervisor, Fishery Harbour Corporation, Negombo

Mr.Jayalal Fernando Deputy Superintendent of Customs Department of Customs

Mr.W.M.S.A.Priyadarshana . Assistant Superintendant Department of Customs

Mr. Arjan Rajasuriya IUCN Mr. P.E.H.Fonseka Boat owner

Negombo Mr. B.Rohitha Jayalal Boat owner

Negombo Mr. W.N.Lusena Boat owner

Negombo Mr. K.J.Loid Fernando Boat owner

Negombo Mr. D.Dinesh Lalantha ORFP Boat owner

Negombo Mr. Nalin Dammika Skipper

OFRP boat Mr. D.K.Wasantha Shark fin Trader

Negombo Mr. P.Sumudu Sampath , Shark fish trader

Negombo Mr. M.S.Candi Shark dired fish producer

Negombo Mr. W.P.R.Kumar Fernando Shark liver oil producer

Negombo Mr. W.Didula Eroi Fernando Shark fin trader,

Mankuliya,Negombo Mr. A.D.S.Silva General Manger

Negombo South Fishermen Co-Operative Society Mr. Jude Perera President

Multi boats oweners society Mr. S.Amarakoon President

Rural Fisheries Organisation Mr. H.S.G.Fernando

Shark Fisheries Management Planning Consultant

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INPUTS FROM THE PARTICIPAMNTS 1. STATUS OF THE SHARK FISHERY IN THE GAMPAHA DISTRICT 1.1 Shark fishery Targeted shark fishery is conducted by multiday boats using 50 pieces of gill nets of 6” mesh size from June to October targeting thresher sharks and silky sharks within and outside the EEZ. Around 50 multiday boats are engaged in this fishery. At present they have stopped target fishing due to the price decline, high operating cost, banning of thresher sharks and strengthening law enforcement. Other species caught as by catch were skipjack, and yellowfin tuna. One or two sharks mainly silky sharks are caught incidentally in long line and drift gill net fishery operated by the multiday boats for tuna fishery. 1.2 Spiny Dogfish shark fishery Spiny dogfish shark fishery is conducted by 17’-23’ FRP boats fitted with outboard motors from April to June in the coastal waters. Liver is used for making oil and flesh is used for making dry fish. Earlier about 15 OFRP boats were engaged in this fishery and presently it has reduced to 3 boats. 1.3 Skate fishery Skate fishery is conducted by 17’-23’ FRP boats using bottom set gill nets of mesh size of 18” at muddy bottoms from June to October. 1.4 Utilization of Sharks and Rays Sharks are utilized as fresh meat and dry fish for local consumption while fins and skin are used for export. 1.4.1Shark fins Shark fins are mostly exported to Hong Kong, Korea, Maldives, Singapore, US, Taiwan. Silky sharks, hammerhead shark, blue shark, Oceanic whitetip shark are widely used for extraction of fins in Negombo area. Prices of fins are as follows: Silky shark fins of 18”-20”size Rs 5000/-per kg, Oceanic whitetip shark of 18”-20 size Rs 4000/-, blue shark Rs.2000/-/kg. Although caudal fin of thresher shark is large, the price is less compared to fins of other shark species. There are 10 large scale and 30 small scale shark fins traders in Negombo. Sri Lanka imports shark fins from Indonesia and Maldives. Total Imports in 2012 was 3185 Mt.Fins exports have declined: Total exports in 2012 was 88,064 Mt. Up to June in 2013, it was 5000 Mt. Reason for the decline is the ban of threshers sharks which gives 3 kg. of fins while other sharks give 750g. of fins per individual. Thresher shark ban has also affected dry fish producers and the traders.

1.4.2 Shark oil Industry Spiny dogfish shark fishery is carried out during the period of November to April in coastal waters from Baththangunduwa to Beruwala and Mirissa. Earlier about 10 persons were engaged in this industry. At present only one person is doing this business since the cost of production has gone up and profits are going down. Five kg of dogfish shark with head gives 600-700 gm. of liver. Production of 1kg.of oil requires 1 1/4 kg. Liver is sold at Rs. 800/-per Kg. Selling price of

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1kg oil-Rs.1200/-, net profit Rs.150/-. Fresh fish of Spiny dogfish shark is Rs. 250/- per kg.: dry fish Rs.250/- per kg. 1.4.3 Dry fish production There are 20 large scale and 30 small scale shark/skate dry fish producers in Negombo. At present there is no profit in this business. Seventy five percent of silky shark is used as fresh fish and 25% as dry fish. Before banning of thresher sharks good quality thresher shark were used as fresh fish and bad quality fish were used for dry fish. Ratio of conversion of meat to dry fish is 2:1.Shark salted and dried fish are also imported from Pakistan for local consumption. Other uses Dried skin is exported to China to make shoes and belts while shark jaws, teeth and skin are exported to Maldives.

Concerns expressed by fishers and traders

• Fishing operators have faced difficulties due to bans to loss of income from the shark fishery.

• Traders have obtained bank loans • Loss of employment of those engaged in shark fishing and associated trade • What is the compensation/assistance for investments made so far? Problems in repayment

of bank loans • The fishers are of the view that there is no decline in shark populations. Reasons for

decline in shark fin exports are ban on Thresher sharks and strengthening of the law enforcement with regard to crossing of maritime boundaries.

• By now there is a ban on thresher sharks. If other shark species too are banned in future, it would affect the consumption and the job security in fisheries.

• Concerns over the environmental degradation caused by Indian Trawlers and whether it would affect sharks populations

• There is a possibility that Tuna populations may be affected by increase in the shark populations with the banning of some shark species. Will it be monitored?

2. ISSUES/NEEDS IDENTIFIED

1.1 Non availability of adequate data/information with regard to shark fisheries and nursery grounds, feeding habits etc due to recording lump shark catch for uncommon species, lack of knowledge of fisheries field officers and fishermen to identify sharks to species level and poor reporting of shark by-catch for artisanal fisheries

1.2 Lack of space in the log book for recording shark catches. 1.3 Lack of knowledge in Shark biology 1.4 Issues regarding discarding thresher sharks at sea 1.5 Habitat destructions

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1.6 IUU fishing 1.7 Lack of compliance with the relevant regulations 1.8 Lack of proper communication of regulations to stakeholders 1.9 Study on heavy metals in sharks 1.10 Study on estimation of discards at sea and impacts of discards on the environment 1.11 Research on gear modifications to reduce thresher shark by-catch 1.12 Need to identify thresher sharks abundance places 1.13 Study on feeding, mating and nursery grounds 1.14 Need for a socio economic study 1.15 Study on biology/reproductive biology and feeding habits of sharks and biological data

collection (sex, length, weight etc.) 1.16 Study on CPUE standardization/stock assessments and catch and effort data collection 1.17 Study/ research on body parts removed from the sharks and whole sharks 1.18 Further studies on endangered and threatened species 1.19 Need for a regional plan by the countries in the region

3. ACTIONS/ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDED

3.1 Improve data collection and reporting

• Improve skills of stakeholders in recording the data • Direct fishing operators to record accurate data in the log books • Update the data collection scheme to cover all the shark fisheries by expansion of deep

sea data collection scheme to coastal waters • Identify priority species for species wise catch reporting • Keep additional space in the log book for recording by-catch species with location • Record positions where fishing is carried out using GPS by Data collectors • Introduction of e-packages (electronic tablet) to be used at the field for catch/data

reporting • Introduce observer programs for data collection and monitoring fishing activities • Collaborate with stakeholders to update the export/Import trade data • Introduction of VMS to multiday boats • Validate catch reporting data in the log books through VMS, Observer programme and

sampling programme 3.2 Collection of Life history Information through the research publications of the Regional/International agencies and information obtained through the internet with cooperation of Regional Research Institutions 3.3 Identification of shark nursery grounds by researchers with help of fishermen 3.4Management and conservation

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• Include both gear and target species in the operation license issued to directed shark fishing

• Stop habitat destructions by enforcement of relevant laws. • Stop IUU fishing by strengthening MCS activities • Discourage use of wire trace for long line to reduce shark by-catch • Introduction of alternative fishing methods • Government intervention is necessary to switch into tuna catching from shark fishing

3.5 Capacity building and awareness raising

• Develop strategies for education and awareness raising including materials and media (leaflets, display notices, posters & leaflets, electronic and printed media, loudspeaker, Fisheries organizations, school children specially with fisheries background)

• Preparation of Shark species identification guide • Awareness raising of stakeholders on the importance of conservation and management

and data collection of sharks • Increase awareness for skippers and crew on laws on prohibited species • Conduct training to fishers, Fisheries officers, Customs, and officers in the coastal area

on shark species identification • Provide training to research officers on shark biology

3.6Plan review • Appoint a committee for reviewing the implementation of the plan • Committee composition: DFAR, NARA, Universities, Exporters, Fishing operators (boat

owners, Skippers and crew members) • Review period: Twice a year

3.7 Reactivate regional plan proposed under BOBLME project

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Consultation No: 3 Beruwala Stakeholder Consultation Districts Covered: Kalutara district and Galle district Date of Consultation: 22 June 2013 Place of Consultation: Beruwala No of participants: 65 participants from DFAR, NARA, DWL, IUCN, Fishers, boat owners, traders and Fisheries CBO/NGOs in the Kalutara district and Galle district

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Ms. H.L.N.S.Herath






Ms.U.L.K.Perera Statistical officer Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Maligawatte, Colombo 10.

Mr. S. Sooryaarachchi Director General National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency &






Ms. K.H.K.Bandaranayake Research Officer National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr.M.D.I.C.Kumara Research Assistant National Aquatic Resources Research &

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Development Agency Ms.V.K.Ranasinghe Research Assistant

National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr. W.A.D. Bertram Sampler National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr. Amila Fernando Sampler National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency

Mr.M.G.N.Jayakody Assistant Director District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr.Nimal Wickramasinghe

Divisional Fisheries Inspector District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr. H.W.Gunadasa Divisional Fisheries Inspector District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr.K.M.U.T. De Silva Divisional Fisheries Inspector District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr. W.D.S.S. Gunawardena

Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr. P.A.D.Pothupitiya Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Ms.K.G.N. Mangala Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr. G.D.I.Prenmanath Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Ms. H.N.C.Dilani Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Ms. K.A.D.Enoka Niroshani Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Ms K.C. Subhashini. Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr.K.S.C.Kumara Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

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Ms.S.D.S. Kumari Silva Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr.K.A.P. Prasath Fishery Resources Management Assistant District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr.P.L.L. De Silva Development Officer District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Ms.B.M.S.Prasadika Development Officer District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr.T.C.B. Dharmasena Development Officer District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr. R.G. Weerapperuma Fishery Inspector District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr. Hemasiri Gajanayake Fishery Inspector District Fisheries Office Kalutara

Mr. U.K.L.Peiris Assistant Director Department of Wildlife Conservation

Mr.D. Rathnathilaka . Instructor NIFNE

Mr. Arjan Rajasuriya IUCN Mr. S.R.D. Ruwan Kumara Fishing operator,

Galle Mr. Mestiyage Daminda Fishing operator,

Panadura Mr. A.Supun Sandaka Multiday boat owner

Beruwala Mr. W.Sadun Saranga Multiday boat owner

Beruwala Mr. A.Arshan Charindu Multiday boat owner

Beruwala Mr. B.Shammi Madushan Multiday boat owner

Beruwala Mr. Dewasadun Mangala Multiday boat owner

Beruwala Mr. D.M.Tissa Multiday boat owner

Beruwala Mr. Chaminda Kumara Multiday boat owner

Beruwala Mr. Dinesh Priyankara Multiday boat owner

Beruwala

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Mr. D. Upul Sujith OFRP Fishing operator Beruwala

Mr. Saman Priyantha Multiday boat operator Beruwala

Mr. Saman Palitha Multiday boat operator Beruwala

Mr. Danuska Dilsan Multiday boat skipper Beruwala

Mr Kapila Pushpakumara 17-23’ FRP boat owner Mr. K.P.D.A. Hemantha Shark fin trader

Beruwala R.Wimal Shantha President, Ratgama Wella Rural Fisheries

organisation Mr.T.R.Perera President, Jakotuwella Rural Fisheries Organisation Mr. Dayananda Silva President, Kalutara District Fisheries Union Mr. H.S.G.Fernando Shark Fisheries Management Planning Consultant

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INPUTS FROM THE PARTICIPANTS 1. Shark Fishery in the Kalutara and Galle districts

1.1Shark fishery

From 1960 to 1980, shark fishery was carried out by wooden boats and FRP boats of length 22-28 feet using long line made of kuralon –depth 15 fathoms with 50-100 hooks. Fishing operations were carried out throughout the year within and outside the EEZ. Main species caught were blue shark, Oceanic whitetip shark, silky shark, hammerhead shark, thresher shark and Tiger shark.

Presently directed shark fishery is carried out by 34-50 feet multiday boats using long line made of monofilament line with wire trace and 500 hooks. Decline of catches are observed due to price decline, high fuel cost and law enforcement. Currently 25-30 boats out of 700 multiday boats (4%) are engaged in target shark fishing.

Sharks are caught incidentally in gill nets and long lines operated mainly by 34-54 feet multiday boats for tunas. Shark by catch is about 500 kg. which is 2% of the total catch amounting to 500 kg. There is no directed shark fishery in the Galle district. 1.2. Spiny Dogfish shark fishery There are 6 nos. of FRP boats of length 18’-19’fitted with outboard motors and 10 nos. of boats of length 28’-32’ fitted with inboard engaged in dogfish shark fishing for days per month during the period from January to May. Average catch is 100-150 kg/boat/day and Price of liver varies between Rs.500 and 600/- per kg of liver and price of meat fetches Rs.100 per fish. On average one fish weighs 1kg.

1.3 Skate fisheries’ Madu nets were used to catch skates and rays by 17-23’ FRP boats fitted with outboard motors particularly during Monsoons in coastal area. Species caught: Weli maduwa and Wawul maduwa are main species caught. Catch per boat is 400-500 kg, Flesh is used as fresh and dry fish and gill rakers are exported. Small percentage of skates is caught as by-catch in beach seines and bottom set gill nets operated in coastal waters. They were also got caught in gill nets operated by multiday boats. By-catch of skates amounts to 500 kg. /boat. 1.4 Utilization, Market and trade 1.4.1 Fins Mainly silky sharks, Oceanic whitetip shark and blue shark (Rs.2000/-) are used for fins. Prices of fins are as follows: fins of silky shark of 18”-20” size is Rs.5000/- per kg.; Fin of Oceanic whitetip shark of 18”-20” size is Rs 4000/- per kg and fin of blue shark is Rs. 2000/= per kg. There are 10 fin traders. Price of shark fin drastically has declined.

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1.4.2 Dry fish production

Around Beruwala harbour there are 3 dry fish producers. Price of dry fish-wholesale Rs.700/kg , retail Rs.1000/- per kg, Main market is Colombo while other markets are located interior-Bandarawela, Badulla, Kurunegala. There are 15 dry fish (including shark) traders.

1.4.3 Skin Purchasing price: Rs 800/- per kg. (dried),1kg of dried skin requires two fish, Exported to China- to make shoes,belt

Points raised by the fishers regarding Thresher shark fishery • Shark fishing industry has declined by 95% due to prohibition of Thresher sharks. • Period for thresher sharks-April to June • Boat operators are saying there is no decline of thresher shark populations. • Thresher sharks after getting caught in the fishing gear dies. But dead thresher sharks

cannot be landed due to ban. Discarding is not encouraged and objective of full ulilisation Is questionable?

• Discard of thresher sharks caught as by catch

2. ISSUES/NEEDS

2.1 Catch reporting • Sharks caught as by catch are not recorded. • Shortcomings in the log books-(Insufficient space for recording shark species,

complexity of log) • Need to improve quality of log sheets • Difficulty in identification of shark species • Need to change the attitudes of skippers, crew and owners for getting data • Since there is no space for an observer, need to appoint a crew member as the observer

for data validation 2.2 Identification of breeding grounds and periods for declaration as reserves 2.3 There is a need to assess the quantity of discards 2.4 Awareness programs conducted on regulations for fishery officials and fishing communities

are not sufficient 2.5 Endorsement of prohibited shark species and other fish species and requirement of live shark

species release as licensing requirements in the operating license 2.6 Study on biological data 2.7 Socio economic studies to assess the no of fishermen engaged in shark fishing and their

dependants 2.8 Destruction of corals and skates ground due to trammel nets, bottom set gill nets 2.9 Study on the harmful effects of ring net fishing around floating objects 2.10 Need for a Regional Plan of action

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Although it was proposed to develop a regional Plan of action under BOBP_IGO, it was not implemented. Therefore it was decided to develop a regional plan under BOBLME at the 2011 workshop. Although a agreement was reached among the countries to develop a regional plan, so far a regional plan has not been prepared.

3. ACTIONS 3.1 Improve the catch data collection

• Record species wise data-A training on this for the fishery officials is necessary • Make simple easily understandable (user friendly) forms for catch reporting • Record data in the log book with latitudes and longitudes (position) • Impose fines for not using log books • Expand species profile to cover species caught in coastal waters • Prepare a methodology to obtain data from small boats through the fishery organizations

since log book is mandatory only for bigger vessels.

3.2 Habitat protection

• Prepare a strategy to get accurate information on areas where sharks gathers/Nursery areas from the fishermen

• Conduct research/surveys on the areas identified in the above manner

3.3Conservation and Management

• Issue of Operating licences specific to shark fishing including target shark species and specific requirements (e.g.no of hooks, wire trace, bait, Use of dolphin is prohibited)

• Draft regulations to prohibit of catching whale shark and ray shark by law • Increase the fines for catching prohibited species • Strenghthening MCS activities through regular port inspections • Encourage informants to report illegal activities • Research on harvesting techniques for reduction of catching Thresher sharks(Reduce the

length of Buoy rope of the net-e.g. 2 fathoms, Control of net tensioning, Use of limited number of net pieces

• Make use of dehookers compulsory

3.4 Trade • Consult DFAR prior to making export regulations for endangered species listed under

CITES Appendix 11 by Department of wildlife 3.5 Education and Awareness raising

• Develop extension materials- leaflets, stickers on prohibited species

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• Use loudspeakers, Fisher Radio (Sayura FM),Fisheries organizations as media for awareness creation

• Display boards at harbours • Preparation of an Identification guide with photos and pictures for shark species • Conduct awareness programs on shark regulations for fishery officials and fishing

communities • Conduct training programs on shark species identification • Conduct awareness programs on the importance of catch reporting and use of log books

for fishery officials and fishing communities/ • To give a training to boat operators on use of GPS

3.6 Plan Review • Appointment of committee for review of NPOA • Composition: DFAR, NARA, Wildlife, Customs, Universities, Ministry of Environment,

fishing operators, Exporters, boat owners, NGOs, Fisheries organizations • to be reviewed twice a year

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3. COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS At present major fishing centres of Sri Lanka for shark landings are located in Beruwala, Matara and Negombo and highest shark landings of elasmobranchs are recorded from these areas. Therefore the inputs received from the stakeholder consultations held at above areas could be considered as representative of Sri Lankan elasmobranch fishery. During the consultations the trends and current status of the fishery were highlighted. Important issues and needs with regard to the conservation and management were identified and finally actions and activities to address most of the issues and needs were recommended.

3.1TRENDS AND STATUS OF THE ELASMOBRANCH FISHERY The following points were highlighted. Sharks (Selachii) Fishery

• An increasing trend of shark landings in the past due to the introduction of shark long line and fishing extended beyond EEZ.

• A decreasing trend of shark landings during last 12 years mainly due to switching to tuna fishery which is more profitable than shark fishery, implementation of new regulations on sharks, and strengthening the MCS activities for effective law enforcement beyond EEZ.

• Further decreasing trend has been observed at present due to price decline, high fuel cost, effective law enforcement with regard to the crossing of maritime boundaries and the prohibition of catching thresher sharks under the regulations published in Gazette no 1768/36 dated 27.07.2012

• At present target shark fishery is operated only by a very few vessels. In Negombo 50 multiday boats were engaged in targeted till recently and now they have stopped. In Beruwala currently 25-30 boats out of 700 multiday boats (4%) are engaged in target shark fishing. In Galle harbor there is no directed shark fishery. Thresher shark fishery as a traditional fishery was conducted in the Matara district till the imposition of ban in 2012 using shark long line by 325 no of 17’-23’ FRP boats fitted with outboard motors and 80 nos of day boats fitted with inboard engines.

• Majority of the shark catch come as a by-catch of drift gill net fishery, offshore tuna long line fishery operated mainly by 34-54 feet multiday boats for tunas (about 3700 boats), bottom set gill net fishery for skates and beach seine fishery. Shark by- catch is about 2% of the total catch.

• Spiny dogfish shark fishery exists as localized seasonal fishery in coastal waters.Earlier about 15 OFRP boats were engaged in this fishery in Negombo and presently it has limited to 3 boats. Six 17’-23’ FRP boats fitted with outboard motors boats and ten 28-32’ boats fitted with inboard engines are engaged in this fishery in Beruwala.

Skate (Batoid) fishery Skate (Batoid) fishery exists as localized seasonal fishery in coastal waters by OFRP boats using bottom set gill nets of size 18” locally known as “madu del” Small percentage of skates are

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caught incidentally in beach seines and bottom set gill nets operated in coastal waters for other fisheries. They were also got caught incidentally in gill nets operated by multiday boats. Discards There are no discards of sharks in Sri Lanka except thresher sharks. Thresher sharks caught incidentally in drift gill nets and long lines cannot be landed due to the ban. Therefore fishers are forced to throw them to sea.

Export and Imports Shark fins are mostly exported to Hong Kong, Korea, Maldives, Singapore, US, Taiwan. Fins are imported from Indonesia and Maldives for re-export after value addition. Total Imports in 2012 was 3185 Mt. Price of shark fins has declined drastically and prohibition of catching thresher shark has affected dry fish production and exports. Exports have declined. Total exports in 2012 were 88,064mt.Only 5000 Mt. was exported up to May in 2013. Main reason for decline in shark fin exports was thresher shark ban. Usually 3 kg. of fins could be extracted from a thresher shark while only ¾ kg could be extracted from other sharks. Salted and dried sharks are imported from Pakistan for local consumption. Currently there is no control over imports and exports. Ecotourism (non Consumptive use) The eco-tourism activities which started about five years back in the Matara district are fast gaining in popularity during the last 2 years. Whales, dolphins, flying fish, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks can all be seen a few miles off Mirissa in the south coast of Sri Lanka and is a strong lure for the tourists. At present Sri Lanka Navy and about 10 private companies are operating whale watching tours from Mirissa harbour from November until April.

Thresher shark fishery The following points were highlighted regarding thresher shark fishery.

• Shark fishing industry has declined significantly due to prohibition of Thresher sharks. • It was a seasonal fishery usually from April to June • Boat operators are of the view that there is no decline of thresher shark populations. • According to fishers, thresher sharks after getting caught in the fishing gear (drift gill nets

and long line) dies. But dead thresher sharks cannot be landed due to ban. Discarding is not encouraged and objective of full utilization cannot be achieved.

• Loss of income due to prohibition of thresher sharks • Because of the increase of small purse seine fishing (ring net) with floating objects, small

scale fisheries directed for resources such as small tunas and carangids drops. Therefore affected fishermen switched to catching thresher sharks.

Concerns/observations expressed by Fishers at the Consultations • Loss of employment of those engaged in shark fishing and associated trade • What is the compensation/assistance for investments made so far? Problems in repayment

of bank loans

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• There is no decline in shark populations. Reasons for decline in shark fin exports are ban on Thresher sharks and limitation of fishing beyond EEZ.

• By now there is a ban on thresher sharks. If in future other shark species are banned, it will affect consumption and job security in fisheries.

• There is a possibility that Tuna populations may be affected by increase in shark populations due to bans.

3.2. ISSUES/NEEDS IDENTIFIED 3.2.1 Catch and Effort data

• Misidentification and under-reporting of shark catches (e.g. poor reporting of any shark catches either targeted or incidental by coastal fishing fleet, reporting of all uncommon shark species in a single category of “other sharks”)

• Shortcomings in the log book for catch reporting (Insufficient space in the log book, complexity of log book, low quality of log sheets)

• Absence of onboard observer scheme for validation of data • Current data collection scheme implemented by NARA is limited to species caught in the

offshore large pelagic fishery • Lack of knowledge on the importance of conservation and management of shark

resources

3.2.2 Biological Information

• Biological information are lacking for some of the key shark species such as the longfin mako and the thresher sharks

• Need for separation of catch as per species • Lack of knowledge in shark biology due to shortage of shark fishery experts, non access

to technical training, and lack of funds • Lack of trained staff and resources for conducting resource surveys and stock

assessments on sharks • Study/research on body parts removed from the sharks and whole sharks

3.2.3. Life History Information

• Need for collection of Life history Information 3.2.4 Monitoring of Catch Composition

• Studies on size/age and sex composition of the catches 3.2.5 Ecological Information

• Lack of knowledge on feeding, mating and nursery grounds • Not getting involvement of fishermen in research work • Direction of fisheries issues/problems to research organizations

3.2.6 Social Aspects of the Fishery • Lack of accurate socio-economic information

3.2.7 Conservation and management measures

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• Lack of compliance with current regulations on sharks • Habitat destructions/ destruction of corals and skates ground due to the use of trammel

nets, bottom set gill nets and trawling • Need for by-catch reduction device to minimize the harm for thresher sharks • Need for identification of shark feeding, reproduction and nursery grounds for declaration

as reserves • Need for estimation of discards of thresher sharks caught as by-catch and its impact to the

ecosystem • Difficulties experienced in releasing the prohibited species (Thresher shark) caught

incidentally • Need to collect information on threatened and endangered shark and ray species listed

under CITES • Short comings in the operating license issued to shark fishing • Awareness programs conducted on regulations for fishery officials and fishing

communities are not sufficient • Results of research/data analysis not communicated to fisherman • Knowledge particularly about marine biodiversity, marine habitats etc. among the staff

officers of the Ministries, Departments and Institutions are low. • Need for study on thresher sharks • Need for study on negative impacts of ring net fishing around floating objects

3.2.8 Marketing

• No fair price for shark fins and fresh flesh (Presence of competitive market in some areas)

3.2.9 Non consumptive use (Ecotourism) • Non standardization of present boats used for ecotourism • Movements of boats caused disturbances to sharks

3.2.10 Consumptive use

• Need for a study on heavy metals in sharks 3.2.11Regional Plan of Action

• Need for a regional plan for the region • Although it was proposed to develop a regional Plan of action under BOBP_IGO, it was

not implemented. Therefore it was decided to develop a regional plan under BOBLME at the 2011 workshop. Although a agreement was reached among the countries to develop a regional plan, so far a regional plan has not been prepared. To request BOBLME to take it up again

3.2.12 Need for Joint surveys/Coordinated Research Programmes 3. 3 ACTIONS/ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDED

3.3.1 Improvement of Catch data reporting

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• Develop simple shark species identification guide, handouts & coloured posters for species identification

• Expand on going IOTC data collection scheme (implemented by NARA) to cover all the coastal sharks

• Make log books (mandatory for bigger fishing vessels) simple for recording of main species of sharks both targeted and by-catch with position

• Prepare a methodology to obtain data from small boats through the fishery organizations since use of log books are not mandatory for small boats

• Introduction of e-packages (electronic tablet)for catch and effort data reporting • Introduce onboard observer programme for the validation of information through the use

of GPS position and observation of operations • Enforce fines for not providing data in the log books • Study on estimation of discards (thresher sharks) at sea

3.3.2 Update Trade and Market Data

• Collaborate with stakeholders to update the export/Import trade data in terms of quantity and value separated by product type and form

• Study on marketing of elasmobranch products

3.3.3 Collection of Life history Information • Study the research papers done by Regional/International agencies and information

obtained through internet to develop an strategy • Obtain cooperation of Regional Research Institutions

3.3.4 Socioeconomic survey • Conduct a socio-economic survey to assess the no of fishermen and traders engaged in

shark fishing and trade 3.3.5 Access arrangements

• Introduce fishing licensing programme specific to target elasmobranches fishing • Include gear specifications and target species in the operation license issued for shark

fishing and make catch reporting and release of live thresher shark as licensing requirements.

• Make reporting of sharks caught incidentally and release of live thresher shark as licensing requirements in the operating licenses issued to other fisheries.

3.3.6 Species Conservation

• Make regulations for protection of whale shark and ray shark which are of importance for ecotourism (this will not affect the fishermen).

• Increase the fines for catching prohibited species • Relaxation of regulations to enable landing of dead thresher sharks caught as incidental

catch

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• Explore the possibilities to ban the import of fishing accessories required for the shark long line

• Identify thresher shark grounds and declare them as protected areas 3.3.7 Habitat protection

• Prepare a strategy to get accurate information from the fishermen on critical shark habitats

• Identify critical shark habitats (particularly pupping, egg laying and nursery grounds, and seasonal feeding or breeding aggregations) and the main threats to these habitats

• Introduce appropriate management measures to address threats to shark biodiversity (such as declaration as marine protected areas or marine sanctuaries)

3.3.8 Strengthening enforcement/ Compliance

• Stop IUU fishing through the application of VMS, Observer programme, strengthening the port inspection scheme, and encouragement of informants to give information on unlawful activities

• Introduce alternate livelihood programmes/ alternative income generating activities for the fishermen who were engaged in catching thresher sharks in the past.

3.3.9 Endangered species listed under appendix ii of CITES

• Department of wild life as focal point for CITES in Sri Lanka obtains DFAR recommendations prior to making export regulations on the species listed under appendix II of CITES

• Monitor catches/conduct further studies on endangered and threatened species listed under CITES

3.3.10 By-catch reduction • Research into fishing practices that reduce shark and ray by-catch • Study on use of techniques such as de-hookers for live release of prohibited species

3.3.11 Impact of Discards at sea • Research on the effects of discards on the environment (Fishers highlighted that if dead

shark bodies are thrown into sea ,no other fish stay in that area) 3.3.12Marketing

• Fixing price without considering the quantity of fish • Creation of a completive market at each harbor

3.3.13 Ecotourism • Make standards for boats used for ecotourism • Prepare whale shark guidelines to help regulate interactions with them.

3.3.14Capacity building and awareness raising

• Develop an education and awareness strategy including materials for awareness creation such as leaflets, posters and stickers on prohibited species and media for awareness creation such as workshops, involvement of rural Fishery organizations, Fisher Radio-

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Sayura FM, announcement through loudspeakers and erection of boards at major fishing harbours

• Educate fishermen and fisheries officials on the importance and need on conservation and management of shark resources by emphasizing the vulnerability of sharks to fishing pressure and their role in the marine ecosystem;

• Make stakeholder aware of the pertinent shark regulations and management measures, reporting requirements and penalties for the contravention of laws on prohibited species and access arrangements

• Educate the fishers on by-catch issues and encourages the successful release of living sharks to the sea;

• Conduct training to Fisheries officers, Custom officers and boat operators on species identification

• Educates stakeholders on the need for shark catch data and on the importance of catch reporting

• Conduct awareness programs on use of log books for fishery officials and skippers • Improve skills of fishing boat operators in recording the data by giving a training on use

of GPS to record position data in the log book • Conduct awareness programs on post harvest technology for quality improvement of

shark products • Prepare guidelines for watching whale sharks • Conduct awareness programs for boat owners and operators on Whale Shark Guidelines • Conduct awareness programs to highlights the main elements and recommended actions

for conservation and management and role of the stakeholders in the implementation of the NPOA sharks after adoption

• Provide training to research officers on shark biology 3.3.15 Plan review

• Appoint a committee for review of the NPOA • to be reviewed twice a year • Committee composition:

The Committee will be chaired by Director General Of DFAR ,the lead agency in Fisheries management and include other agencies and stakeholders- NARA, Fishing operators (boat owners, Skippers and crew members),Representative from trade, Wildlife, Customs, Universities, Ministry of Environment, Exporters, NGOs, Fisheries organizations.

4. CONCLUSION Challenges identified with regard to the sustainable management and conservation of Elasmobranchs and actions and activities recommended to address most of them at the consultation workshops could be considered for the inclusion in the NPOA sharks.

The specific actions recommended at the workshops need to be prioritized with associated responsibilities and time frames in the NPOA sharks to ensure their successful implementation

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within the plan period of four years with the aim of achieving 10 specific objectives stated in the FAO-IPOA for conservation and management of elalmobranch fishery for their long term sustainable use.

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Annex 1

DEVELOPMENT OF SRI LANKA NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SHARKS

(SRI LANKA NPOA SHARKS)

1. Introduction

Fish evolved into two very different ‘classes’, or groups namely ‘Class Chondrichthyes’ and ‘Class Osteichthyes’. Chondrichthyes includes sharks, skates, rays and chimeras and is also known as ‘cartilaginous’ fish .The other class ‘Osteichthyes, includes bony fish. There are several major biological differences between cartilaginous fish and bony fish.

Teleosts, the bony fish, are some of the most abundant vertebrates on the planet with nearly 25,000 species. In contrast, the chondrichthians represent only about 1,100 species of which some 1000 species are sharks.

Life history characteristics, such as slow growth, late maturation, and production of few offspring, make sharks vulnerable to overfishing and slow to recover from decline.

Estimates on the global annual harvest of shark vary considerably from between 700,000 to 1.5 million tones. Catches have grown considerably from 271,800 tonnes in 1950, fuelled by the expansion of long-line fisheries, the escalating commodity value of shark fin and through overall increases in global fish production.

By-catch is one of the most significant issues in the management and conservation of global fisheries and has been identified as one of the leading causes of shark population declines. Over the past two decades, serious population declines have been reported for a number of shark species in several regions around the world and are attributed to both targeted and incidental capture.

Conservation and management of sharks is impaired by the lack of accurate data on catch, effort, discards, and trade data, as well as limited information on the biological parameters of many species and their identification.

2. International Initiatives for the conservation and management of sharks

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has developed the International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-Sharks) in 1999, to address global concerns about the management of sharks. The overarching goal of the IPOA-Sharks is to ensure the conservation and management of sharks and their long-term sustainable use. The IPOA-Sharks identifies principles and objectives for shark management at the national level to be implemented through the development of NPOA-Sharks.

The FAO IPOA-Sharks states that Shark Plans should aim to:

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• Ensure that shark catches from directed and non-directed fisheries are sustainable; • Assess threats to shark populations, determine and protect critical habitats and implement harvesting strategies consistent with the principles of biological sustainability and rational long-term economic use; • Identify and provide special attention, in particular to vulnerable or threatened shark stocks; • Improve and develop frameworks for establishing and co-ordinating effective consultation involving all stakeholders in research, management and educational initiatives within and between States; • Minimize unutilized incidental catches of sharks; • Contribute to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function; • Minimize waste and discards from shark catches in accordance with article 7.2.2.(g) of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (for example, requiring the retention of sharks from which fins are removed); • Encourage full use of dead sharks; • Facilitate improved species-specific catch and landings data and monitoring of shark catches; • Facilitate the identification and reporting of species-specific biological and trade data.

The FAO-IPOA sharks) is, to date, the only international initiative specifically dedicated to the management of shark among the tools for conservation and management of sharks on a global level.

The issue of shark conservation and management has also been addressed by two global biodiversity-related Conventions, namely, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

On the regional level, regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) has to play a critical role in regulating fishing for certain highly migratory and straddling stock species, including sharks, to ensure that relevant fisheries are sustainable.

3. Shark fishery in Sri Lanka The shark is of considerable importance to the marine fisheries of Sri Lanka and conducted with large mesh drift gillnet and long line fishing vessels in the offshore waters. The shark fishery was a target fishery in Sri Lanka a decade ago but it has now changed and sharks come mainly as a by-catch at present. This is mainly because the fisherman had switched to target tuna since catching of tuna has become profitable than catching of sharks and limitation of fishing beyond EEZ due to strengthening law enforcement. There are about 48 shark species with majority of pelagic and some demersal sharks in commercial landings in Sri Lankan waters. The shark fishery production increased from 8,665 tons in 1990 to 25,006 tons in 2000, equivalent to 17% of the national fish production. However, a declining trend has been observed during the last decade. Sri Lanka’s contribution to the global shark production was 3% during the period 1990-2003 being the world ranking in the 10th position and it was reduced to 2.4% in 2004. The annual shark production has been estimated at 7,130 tons in 2010.

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At present the contribution of sharks to the total large pelagic fish production by weight remains around 4% while tuna has accounted more than 70% of the total large pelagic fish production. The silky sharks account for a higher proportion in the shark landings (more than 60% of the total shark landings by weight). Oceanic white tip shark and blue shark are the next dominant species. These species account about 5% each of the total shark landings. The percentage contribution of other sharks including Scalloped Hammerhead and Longfin Mako in the total landings of sharks are relatively small. Currently, the highest percentage of total shark landings is reported from the Southwest coast followed by the South and West coasts and a large quantity of sharks are being caught as a by-catch of the long line-gillnet gear combination. At present, sharks are mostly landed as a by-catch in gillnet, long line and gillnet-long line combination fishery. The shark by-catch is normally higher in the long line-gillnet gear combination. Currently species wise catch reporting is being carried out by NARA in order to comply with the recently adopted resolutions for sharks by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

There is no management plan for shark fisheries in Sri Lanka. However a few initiatives have been taken to conserve and manage the shark fisheries under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act. The regulations on shark finning gazetted in 2001 regulate the shark landings to ensure that sharks landed are with fins attached to the fish. To implement the recent resolution adopted by IOTC on prohibition of catching Thresher Sharks, the regulations were made in 2012 to ban on catching, retaining onboard, transshipping, landing, storing, selling or offering for sale of any Thresher Sharks. The multiday boat operators are required to record fish catch data in the log book including sharks under the Catch Data Collection Regulations made in 2012.

4. Development of Sri Lanka NPOA sharks

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) and NARA have initiated the process to develop a National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA-shark). The NPOA will be developed as per the FAO guidelines under its IPOA sharks with the assistance of the Bay Of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem project (BOMLMEP) and inputs from stakeholders obtained through a series of stakeholder consultation workshops.

The objective of the NPOA-Shark is to ensure the conservation and management of sharks and their long-term sustainable use and will be designed to detail measures to manage and conserve sharks that are either targeted or taken as incidental by-catch in Sri Lankan waters.

The NPOA sets out an action plan with strategies/ work programmes that seek to address the 10 goals of the IPOA-Sharks.

Documents

BOBLME-2013-Ecology-07 · 2015. 5. 7. · Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara Head Oceanographic Division Faculty of Fisheries & Marine Science Technology University of Ruhuna Wellamadama,