Challenges for Post-Harvest Management of Sri Lankan Multi Day Fishing Boats and Impacts on The Country’s National Security

Abstract

This study focused on the identification of factors leading to issues of post-harvest management of MDFB and its implication on the national security of the country. In particular, the study focuses on identifying the knowledge gap of the affected community regarding the government-introduced advanced fish preservation RSW or CSW system under the regulation of the high seas. The second objective was to examine the facilities the government and other related stakeholders provided for installing the RSW or CSW system. The third objective was to explore why fishermen still depend on icing even though new technology has been introduced while they are facing considerable Post-Harvest losses and how those post harvest losses affect the national security of the country. The final objective was to provide recommendations for improving post-harvest management of multiday fishing trawlers because of strengthening national security. sector employs around 560,000 people in SL. Furthermore, MFARD indicated as of 01 September 2022, there were 5442 numbers of high seas multiday fishing boats (MDFB) registered under the ministry. Moreover, under MFARD there are six directly involved stakeholders to facilitate the fishery sector. However, according to the MFARD (2019) annual performance report, the deep-sea fishing sector has contributed only 1.3 % to the country’s GDP and 1.5 % to foreign income (MFARD, 2020). Sandaruwan & Weerasooriya (2019) indicated that 90% of the fish catch of the country is used for local consumption which helps to fulfilment of 70% of the nutritional requirements of SL. Importantly, the study has found that the main issue for the post-harvest losses is the lack of awareness about the new technology. Also, explored that expertise and professional knowledge have not been transferred to the tactical level. Specifically, respondents that represented three target populations such as boat owners, boat captains and boat crew still depended on the icing method assuming that it is the best or cheapest or only method available. More importantly, the study has found that post-harvest losses of MDFB are considerably high and it is superseding the available literature. Also, the study has found that the continuation of post-harvest losses affects for national security of the country in terms of food security, economic security, health security and community security. In addition, financial losses may lead fishermen to engage in illegal activities to income generate while it is making huge impacts on national security. Finally, it is understood that as an Island nation, it is very much required to enhance improved marine fishing post-harvest management.