Abstract:
The fishery is vital to the Sri Lankan domestic economy. However, the sustainability
of the industry is threatened due to both anthropogenic and natural factors. This study
examined the impact of laws and regulations on promoting sustainable livelihoods in
the fishing community of the Tangalle Fisheries Inspector division. Primary data
were collected through direct observations, surveys, and key informant interviews.
The survey was conducted using the snowball sampling method with a sample of 100
respondents. Secondary data were obtained from the monthly reports of the
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources District Office in Tangalle.
Composited Sustainability Index (CSI) and Skewed Logistic Regression (SLR)
analysis were used to assess livelihood sustainability and the factors affecting
fishermen’s Compliance with Laws and Regulations (CLR). The relationship
between CSI and CLR was analyzed by using Spearman’s correlation. The CSI for
this community was 0.39, indicating a deterioration in livelihood sustainability. The
results of the SLR analysis revealed that income significantly (p<0.05) affects
compliance with laws and regulations. The correlation between CSI and CLR was not
statistically significant (p>0.05). This finding highlighted that, while laws and
regulations are crucial, they alone do not ensure sustainable outcomes. The results
underscored the need for integrated policies addressing broader socio-economic and
environmental factors to enhance livelihood sustainability within fishing
communities.
