Investigating Information Gaps of the Safety of Fisher's life, that Impact on the Economic Efficiency in Offshore Fishery in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Safety information of fishing fleets has a major role to play with safety of fisher's life waiting in the offshore. Stability is one of the most important factors in every fishing vessel's overall safety. The investigations were identified information gaps for the safety of fishers, to enhance the efficiency in terms of stability and life-saving equipment. Necessary data and information had been collected from questionnaire and 30 vessels (25) of monthly mean landings of Negombo fishery harbor. Various aspects of the information have been analyzed to understand the status of the offshore fishery sector to find the appropriate solutions to meet the gaps. Major issues of fishers (97%) do not have adequate knowledge on appropriate information in the industry to apply them to get their maximum use. Fishers also have no attention on the stability of the vessel due to lack of knowledge and lack of the information and instructions given in the vessels by manufacturers. Hence, fleet development plays a significant role with respect to safety. Fleet development program is recommended to be initiated to use new information for safe of stability of fishing vessels. Lifebuoys and first-aid boxes have found in every boat and fire-extinguishers are recorded very often, fishers' life is at risk all the time. Firstly, it can minimize by conducting awareness among fishers on safety onboard to influence the mind -set of the fishing community. Secondly, it can be enhanced the knowledge and skills by facilitating the safety equipment with proper training. In parallel to that awareness of all the information may be included in web and make aware on how to access the information. "Nanasala" may be useful for this online information service. Certificate course for offshore fishers is recommended to develop their professional skills that will make them eligible for obtaining proposed fishing license.