World Vision is part of a groundbreaking project to restore the tsunami-hit maadel fishing industry in Sri Lanka.
Maadel fishing, a traditional eco-friendly
fishing method unique to Sri Lanka, was threatened following the tsunami.
World Vision in response, has implemented a project to help 30 fishermen
engaged in this work. Fishermen received 16 maadel boats and 300 nets worth
over US$140,000. Another eight partially damaged boats were repaired with
the financial assistance of World Vision.
According to the Chairman of Kalutara District Maadel Fishermen's Association, Premalal Abeygunawardena, many NGOs and local authorities working in Kalutara District had helped the affected fishermen in the area by providing motor boats and fishing gear, but no one had shown concern to help out a small group of maadel fishermen who portray the Sri Lankan identity.
"We believe we were left out," Abeygunawardena said. He explained that boats and fishing nets are expensive compared to the more common motorboats, and the maadel fishermen did not have the means to replace their fishing gear.
"If not for World Vision Lanka's help, the dying-out of maadel fishing was within the realms of possibility," said the chairmen.
Compared to more common motorboat fishing, the maadel industry employs 20 fishermen and around 70 families directly benefit from a single maadel boat during the fishing season. Lucien Fernando, a maadel boat owner, said that fishermen take their boats to sea only during the season from November to April and there have been occasions where fishermen in one boat have caught fish worth over US$4,000 in a single catch.
More recently, the number of fishermen taking up maadel fishing has decreased mainly due to the demands of a different set of fishing skills, which are passed down from one generation to another. The other reason is due to the maadel season being restricted to one season each year. There is no constant flow of cash, unlike the motorboats, but these fishermen would save their earnings during the season for the rest of year.