Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Illegal fishing poses significant challenges to marine sustainability and coastal livelihoods in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. While regulatory frameworks exist, enforcement remains weak, and community participation in fisheries management is limited. This study explores how communication strategies, trust, and governance influence compliance with sustainable fishing practices, focusing on the perspectives of small-scale fishers and institutional actors. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including fishers, local officials, marine police, and industry representatives. Data were analyzed through manual thematic analysis, supported by secondary sources conducted with the assistance of local collaborators. Five major themes emerged: economic pressures driving illegal fishing, weakened community trust and collective action, poor governance and enforcement, barriers to adopting sustainable practices, and the link between fisheries and other industries such as tourism. While participants recognized the ecological consequences of illegal fishing, economic instability, limited enforcement, and political influence hindered compliance. Power imbalances favoured large-scale operators, while small-scale fishers faced systemic disadvantages and exclusion from decision-making. The study highlights the need for stronger community-based governance, improved enforcement, economic alternatives, and inclusive communication strategies. Collaborative partnerships between fishing communities, government, and industries like tourism could create new incentives for sustainability. The findings suggest that addressing illegal fishing requires not only policy reform but also investment in trust-building, livelihood diversification, and local empowerment.