MPAs, FMAs and Sustainable Financing

Trial content: replace with the real write-up before publishing.

Why it matters

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) are among the most effective tools for protecting threatened sharks, rays and the habitats they depend on. In Sri Lanka, many existing areas lack clear management plans, enforcement capacity and long-term funding, so protection on paper does not always translate into protection in the water.

What we are doing

• Working with government agencies to strengthen management of existing MPAs and to identify priority sites for new or expanded protection.
• Supporting the design of FMAs that combine fisheries and species management, developed together with fishing communities.
• Using our long-term fisheries data to inform species-level management measures, including for CITES-listed sharks and rays.
• Exploring sustainable financing mechanisms so that management can continue beyond the life of a single grant.

Expected outcomes

Better-managed protected areas, fisheries management that reflects the needs of both species and coastal communities, and a financing model that supports long-term implementation.