Nilani, B.2026-01-212026-01-212024-08-29Proceedings of the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE) – 2024, University of Peradeniya, P 2121391-4111https://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/7499Small-scale fishers have experienced various threats to their livelihoods in Sri Lanka. The fishers from the West Coast migrate to the Northeast and East Coast to access the rich northern fishing grounds. However, the seasonal migration of the outside fishers for fishing already created a competition for fish resources among local and outside fishers, creating a conflicting environment. Thus, this research aims to explore the impacts of seasonal in-migration of outside fishers on the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in Mamunai, which is an old fishing village in Jaffna. A qualitative method was used to collect data for this study namely, observation, key informant interview (01) and semi-structured in-depth interviews (10 with local fishers while 06 with outside fishers). The findings revealed the majority of the local fishers were negatively affected by the migration of the outside fishers. Due to the seasonal in-migration and their fishing practices have created a vulnerable situation for single boat owners, and crew members of beach seine, to continue their resource-based livelihood especially since they experienced income reduction and reduction of fishing practices, damages to the fishing gears, fish resource depletion, and lack of employment opportunities. However, a small proportion of the multi-boat owners have gained positive livelihood outcomes due to the seasonal migration as they could rent out their boats and related fishing equipment to the migrant fishers. As the findings of the research confirm, migration of outside fishers has created both negative and positive impacts, it is essential to develop an understanding of the complicated nature of conflict arising from out- migration and to address the issue through proper policies namely restricting open access policy to most fisheries excluding the beach seine and stake net.en-USSmall-Scale FishersSeasonal In-MigrationLocal Fishers’ LivelihoodsFish ResourceArticle