A Holistic Exploration into the Sociological Status and By-catch in Sri Lanka’s Traditional Beach Seine (Ma-Dala) Fisheries - A Case study from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of non-targeted species during fishing operations. Bycatch in artisanal fisheries, such as traditional beach seine fishing, poses significant ecological and economic challenges. This study assesses the poorly studied beach seine fishery in Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka, focusing on socio-economic dynamics and bycatch. A six month sociological survey followed by a year-long fishery observer survey at weekly intervals were conducted to study the beach seine fishery which primarily targets species like Caranx spp., Tuna spp., and others. Economic analysis revealed a daily salary range of Rs. 500-15,000 (approximately US$ 1.58 – 47.31) for a single fisherman. Study identified 52 bycatch species captured during the time period, with 27 fish species and non-fish bycatch including turtles, crabs, and jellyfish. Bycatch represented 23% - 46% of the total catch, indicating significant ecological implications. This study provides insight into the fisher community and traditional beach seine fishery in Mount Lavinia, contributing to a broader understanding of the impacts of artisanal fisheries and paving the way for informed conservation and management strategies.