Consumer trend and fish distribution in fish markets in Batticaloa district, Eastern Sri Lanka

Abstract

Fish distribution and consumption trends are varied among the people in Sri Lanka. A market and consumer study was conducted to identify the distribution of different fish species in the markets of the district. Moreover a pre-tested questionnaire was employed to collect information on fish consumption behavior and social and cultural factors influencing on fish consumption. Following the purposive sampling technique information were collected from 200 people who came to purchase fish from fish outlets. Results showed that 85% of the respondents consume fish as their major protein food and 25% people consumed fish for health purpose. However, all respondents mentioned that fish availability and distribution was the major constraints for consumption of their preferred type of fish. Among the respondents in urban area, approximately 45% of the respondents preferred seashore fishes (family: clupidae) and 40% preferred reef fishes (family:carangidae) and 15% consume fresh water fishes (family:cichlidae), but consumption depends on the availability of fish in the respective area and socio economical factors. Distribution of fish in markets showed variation in rural and urban markets. In this line, Shore fish and rock fishes have been distributed in 75% of the outlets in urban markets and 25% outlets had the brackish and fresh water fishes while in rural markets distribution of seafishes as 25% and 75% was brackish and fresh water fishes.