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Balancing tradition and tourism: Revitalizing stilt fishing in Sri Lanka

Sri lanka

Balancing tradition and tourism: Revitalizing stilt fishing in Sri Lanka
Period
2018 - 2023

Stilt fishing, a centuries-old practice in Sri Lanka, faces modern challenges amidst changing economic landscapes and environmental concerns. Spearheaded by the Weligama Fishery Society and led by S M K Pradeep, efforts are underway to revitalise this unique tradition, balancing cultural preservation with tourism appeal. This practice focuses on community engagement, leveraging the expertise of stilt fishermen and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Through collaboration with fishing community organizations and tourism authorities, stilt fishing emerges not only as a livelihood but also as a cultural heritage and tourism asset. The impact is multifaceted, fostering cultural pride, preserving traditional knowledge, and boosting economic opportunities. By embracing innovation while honouring tradition, stilt fishing thrives as a symbol of Sri Lanka's maritime heritage and community resilience. The practice celebrates the fusion of past and present, inviting everyone to join in preserving and promoting this storied tradition for generations to come.

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Identification needs
This is a community-based activity but nowadays fewer communities are  interested in it. This is an old method but today, fewer fishermen are involved due to lack of interest among the younger generation and the effects of the tsunami. Although it does not cause significant harm to the environment, fixing poles into the sea can cause some damage to the marine environment. Stilt fishing serves not only as a means of economic benefit from fishing but also as a tourist activity. Fishermen target tourists to provide them with unique experiences and make it a tourism-related activity. As this activity is more relevant to tourism than fishing, the community is not in a position to carry it out as a fishing activity. Therefore, only fishermen interested in tourism engage in this activity.
Stakeholder change
Stilt Fishing is a traditional fishing style practised by local fishermen in Sri Lanka, particularly on the southern coast. Fishermen perch themselves on cross-shaped beams and wait patiently for their catch of the day. The fisherman sits on a narrow bar tied to a pole embedded into the sea floor. This type of fishing requires balance and skill, despite the ease with which the stilt fisherman makes it look. The stilt fisherman sits on the crossbar for hours, casting a line and waiting for fish to swim by. Stilt fishing is typically done in the early morning or afternoon. The main stakeholders in this activity are the fishing community organizations, fisheries department, and national/regional tourism authority.
Change triggered
Stilt fishing is thought to have originated after the Second World War, when discarded 'iron poles' or G.I. tubes were used as stilts in the reef. However, the practice soon changed with the use of timber, which was cheaper, lighter, more durable, and easily movable. These stilts are highly valuable commodities, passed down from generation to generation, along with unique fishing skills that are specific to each family. I understood what the fisherman meant when he demanded 500 rupees for a photo. This traditional way of living is no longer the only means of survival. Fishermen are now getting better returns from posing for a few minutes in front of the camera. The cost of living is increasing, environmental conditions are unpredictable, and sitting for long hours on the pedestal leads to depreciating returns. These factors have contributed to the commercialization of this beautiful yet tough art.
Short description
This practice is technically feasible and makes it easy to learn for the community. The techniques are not very difficult and can be easily adopted by the community. Community awareness is crucial to ensure the continuity of these activities. Although stilt fishermen make the activity seem easy and comfortable, stilt fishing requires a lot of skill and balance. Stilt fishing is a traditional fishing method where fishermen sit on a vertical pole with a crossbar embedded into the sea floor or riverbed. This allows them to be a few meters above the water, causing minimal shadows and disturbance to the sea life. Using a rod, they catch spotted herrings and small mackerels from the shallow waters and collect them in a bag tied to the pole or their waist.

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