Transitioning from Vulnerability to Viability: Small-Scale Fisheries in Marine Protected Areas of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) play a vital role in poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, providing livelihoods for millions while supplying essential nutrition to billions and contributing to local and national economies. However, small-scale and traditional fishing and coastal communities face increasing challenges due to the establishment of conservation measures, such as marine protected areas (MPAs), which directly affect their livelihoods, food security, culture, and survival. Highly protected MPAs, which ban extractive and destructive maritime activities, are effective in protecting and restoring marine biodiversity. MPA governance, however, often results in nearby coastal communities losing their rights and access to resources. While setting science-based limits on fish catch is an effective management practice, fisheries' biological, socioeconomic, cultural, and governance contexts need to be concerned for the most appropriate conservation interventions. This research aims to examine the effects of the governance of marine protected areas that exacerbate the vulnerability of small-scale fisheries. The study’s objectives are, 1) to characterize MPAs, SSF, and their interactions, 2) to examine the key drivers that exacerbate the vulnerability of SSF in MPAs, 3) to examine the key drivers that facilitate the viability of SSF in MPAs, and 4) to examine the key attributes of an appropriate MPA governance arrangement that is effective to facilitate the transition of SSF from vulnerability to viability. The study is focused on the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary (BRMS), the largest MPA in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted in four purposefully selected study sites, Kudawa, Kandakuliya, Kalpitiya, and Uchchimunei. Following a qualitative case study approach, the study collected data through semi-structured interviews (n=51), two focus group interviews (n=2), observations, and literature review. The key research findings identified Kalpitiya SSF as a low-tech, labor-intensive occupation inherited from previous generations, mainly focusing on the domestic market. Further, the BRMS in Kalpitiya is significant in terms of biodiversity, ecosystem, and economic benefits. However, it has encountered challenges from past natural disasters and unsustainable fishing practices. These two social and natural systems are highly interconnected and complex regarding ecosystem dynamics and human interventions. Moreover, the major domains affecting the vulnerability of Kalpitiya SSF are governance and management, while the ecological and environmental domain have more viable impacts. However, the economic and development domain has both vulnerable and viable effects on SSF. The key recommendations for future governance implications to facilitate the transition from SSF vulnerability to viability include incorporating SES characteristics in policy developments, enhancing community involvement in governance, and the improvements in governance institutions.