1. Testing the Attitudes of Fishers towards Conservation
E.N.S. Silva, A. Rajasuriya & S. Sosai
3rd National Symposium on the Marine Environment
BMICH
17 October 2017
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Introduction
This study was conducted under the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project .
It was conducted in the Mannar District within the dugong and seagrass project area.
The dugong is a migratory species and listed as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (In the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay it may be critically endangered).
The dugong is protected in Sri Lanka (Fauna & Flora Protection Act & Fisheries Act) and in India (Wildlife Protection Act).
Populations are declining due to hunting, entanglement in fishing gear, bottom trawling and loss of habitat.
There is a need to establish areas for the protection of the dugong and its habitat (seagrass meadows).
This study was done to obtain views of fishermen prior to declaration of marine protected areas (MPAs) to protect the dugong and conserve seagrass meadows.
Images: LauraD/Shutterstock.com.,
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3. GEF Dugong and Seagrass Project area

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Overview of the Study
Interviews were conducted along the coast of Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar using a semi-structured questionnaire with 82 questions covering the following:
Demography
Awareness on conservation
Willingness to conserve marine resources and protect the dugong
Constraints to conservation and management of resources
Fisheries information such as target species
Fishing areas
Observations on dugong
No of respondents: 42
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Interview Locations
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Photos: Arjan Rajasuriya & ENS Silva

6. Age and period of fishing
Majority have been fishing for 11 to 20 years
Majority were between 26 to 55 years old
Sample size: 42 male fishermen
Photo: Arjan Rajasuriya
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Level of education
Sample size: 42 male fishermen
Photo: Arjan Rajasuriya
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Income Sources
Types of part time jobs
Labor work
Driving
Farming
NGO work
The majority were not involved in other occupations
Sample size: 42 male fishermen
Photo: Arjan Rajasuriya
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9. Responses on Fisheries Resources
Sample size: 42 male fishermen
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10. Sample size: 42 male fishermen

11. Sample size: 42 male fishermen

12. Responses on who is in a better position to protect the resources?
65% stated that fishers are positioned best to look after the resources
Sample size: 42 male fishermen
Photos: Arjan Rajasuriya & ARM Haleem
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13. Responses on the reasons for poor management and declining resources
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14. Fishing areas of the communities sampled in this study in relation to the main areas of dugong sightings / dugong killing and bycatch.
Data sources: CMS – UNEP Dugong survey report (2014), ORCA data (2015,2016,2017) and IUCN data (2015,2016 & 2017)

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Conclusions
The community was well aware of the status of the resources including the dugong.
The majority was aware that resources are declining and that they will not be able to continue fishing for long.
The communities were willing to protect the resources if they are taken on board in management initiatives.
They were also willing to support conservation initiatives.
Selection of sites for the declaration of MPAs should be done in collaboration with the communities.
Responsible government agencies must work together to protect the resources.
Authorities should engage communities and make them partners in management and responsibility should be shared (co-management).
Existing fisheries regulations should be implemented without delay in order to save remaining marine resources.
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Acknowledgements
GEF (Global Environmental Facility)
UN Environment
MBZSCF (Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund)
Dugong and Seagrass Project partners
DWC (Department of Wildlife Conservation)
NARA (National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency)
SLTCP (Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project)
ORCA (Ocean Resources Conservation Association)
BEAR (Biodiversity Education And Research)
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17. Thank you