Cost-benefit Analysis on Introduction of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) in Puthumurippu medium perennial reservoir in Sri Lanka

Macrobrachium rosenbergii, a giant freshwater prawn, was newly introduced to Puthumurippu medium perennial reservoir in Kilinochchi district in June 2016 with the stocking of 100,000 post larvae (PL15) with the aim of improving livelihood of the fishermen by diversifying species in the reservoir. Return of M. rosenbergii was found to be high with a recapture rate of 2.5 % and return on investment of 360.6 % within one year study period. Income from harvesting M. rosenbergii improved the livelihood of fishers by increasing their income and interest in fisheries. Furthermore, the total yield increased with the increase in fishing effort during the study period. In addition, it was observed that male M. rosenbergii had a significantly high mass and growth rate compared to females on average. The results of this study indicated that M. rosenbergii stocking program was a cost effective and a successful venture in the development of livelihood of fishing community and fisheries production of the Puthumurippu reservoir.