Implications of alcohol consumption of fishers in three major reservoirs of Sri Lanka on some aspects of reservoir fisheries management

A study was conducted to investigate the impact of alcohol consumption pattern of fishers on their socioeconomic status and involvement in fisheries management activities in Victoria, Sorabora and Ulhitiya reservoirs in Sri Lanka. ANOVA procedure (α=0.05) showed that fishers that consume alcohol rarely (<3 times/month) had significantly higher mean daily income (Rs. 1260.00) compared with daily drinkers (Rs. 841.00). Chi square analysis (α=0.05) showed that the negative association between living standard and alcohol consumption was significant only in Sorabora reservoir. In Sorabora and Ulhitiya, regular alcohol consumption had a significantly negative impact on amount of cash saved by the household. Smoking was significantly associated with alcohol consumption in all three reservoirs. Regular users of alcohol exhibited lower tendency to comply with regulations (e.g. boat registration) in Victoria and Ulhitiya. Holding positions in the fisheries organization, participation at trainings programmes, and attending monthly meetings regularly were significantly associated with alcohol consumption of fishers in Victoria. In Ulhitiya, fishers who voluntarily participated in Government operated raids were less prone to consume alcohol. This study revealed that associations between alcohol consumption of fishers and the socioeconomic and management aspects vary among the reservoirs indicating the need for reservoir specific aquatic resource management strategies.