12.01.2009 18:09
Helstu niðurstöður Mastersritgerðar Gunnars
Value Chain of Yellow-fin Tuna in
Sri Lanka
ABSTRACT
Fisheries are important in Sri Lanka, in particular for domestic supply, but there is also a small but growing export market for high value products. The potential for economic development in the sector is great, especially in the export sector with yellow-fin tuna the most important species.
The fishery for yellow-fin tuna is dynamic and complex. In this thesis, the efficiency and productivity of the yellow-fin tuna value chain in Sri Lanka is studied with a view to assessing structural changes are needed to increase profit within the industry.
An unstructured pre-study was undertaken to get a general description of the value chain, with unstructured interviews during site visits to fishing harbours and fish markets. Based on this preliminary research and theoretical considerations, a framework was designed and used as a guideline to design structured questionnaires for important actors in the value chain. A focus group meeting was held with the processors/exporters. The field studies were conducted from late 2007 until July 2008.
There are two sub-value chains in the yellow-fin tuna industry, the export market and the local market. The export market is characterised by high demand for quality and good prices and relies heavily on landings of foreign vessels. At any rate, the major potential for further growth of exports depends on increasing contribution from local vessels. The local vessels are generally too small and poorly equipped to meet the quality requirements of the exporters. There is considerable scope to improve quality and reduce costs for the local fleet, improving profits and increasing the overall value of the fishery and its contribution to the national economy but lack of knowledge and flow of information between fishermen and processors/exporters is an obstacle.