Abstract:
Prior to the conflict that prevailed in the North and East, the northern Jaffna Peninsula had
been one of the most productive fishing regions in the country. Its contribution to the
national fish production had declined since the mid1980s due to the disruptions caused to
the fisheries activities by the conflict. The fishery infrastructure facilities in the region are in
a dilapidated state, due to damage caused by the conflict and years of neglect, and are in
need of restoration and development.
The Jaffna Peninsula is relatively sheltered from the Southwest monsoon and the
nearshore wave climate in the region is mainly influenced by the less severe Northeast
monsoon. Apart from the coastline along the northern and eastern sides of the Jaffna
Peninsula and the northern coastline of the Karainagar Island, other coastal areas on the
western side of the Peninsula are relatively sheltered from the northeast monsoon due to
the shallow depths and protection provided by land masses. Many of the fishery
infrastructure facilities in the area are in the form of open jetties/piers, mainly without
breakwater protection. Rehabilitation of these would be a significant initial step in improving
mooring facilities for smaller boats. The possibility also exists for a fishery harbour facility
for the use of larger fishing craft which may also require dredging of access channels for
the operation of such boats. The coastal region along the northern side of the Peninsula is
characterized by rocky/sandy beaches and limestone reefs located close and parallel to
the coastline. The reef provides protection against coastal erosion due to wave action and
naturally sheltered basins for the mooring of fishing vessels. Many such basins exist along
the northern coastline. The improvement of fisheries infrastructure at landing sites for the
operation of mainly the smaller fishing craft in the area along the northern coastline of the
peninsula could generally be achieved by strengthening the natural protection provided by
the reef formation. Raising the crest level of reef formation and strengthening of its seaward
slope with the use of larger armor may be needed to provide effective protection.
Deepening of access channels and the basins may also be required at some of the sites
and, in such situations, due attention needs to be paid for possible adverse environmental
issues associated with any dredging of reef formations. A possibility also exists for the use
of excavated and cleared material for use in the strengthening of protection measures. The
coastline in the eastern side of Jaffna Peninsula is directly exposed to the wave conditions
during the Northeast monsoon period. A sandy, straight coastline exists in the area and the
analysis of available information and community consultations revealed that there is a
significant seasonal variation of the beach profile which indicates high levels of sediment
transport. In view of such a dynamic nature of the coastline, construction of coastal
structures is likely to cause coastal erosion/accretion issues and such constructions without
extensive investigations and appropriate mitigation measures may cause severe adverse
impacts.
Keywords: Coastal environment, fisheries infrastructure, Jaffna peninsula
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