Abstract:
A preliminary analysis of the handline fishery in Negombo is presented.
The fishery is carried out along the continental shelf edge with the depth range
of 10-20 fathoms and within the distance of 20 miles from the coast. Out of the
75 crafts engaged in this fishery 70% are 17 FRP boats. The catch rates of
these boats vary from 11-24 kg/boat/day and show no marked monthly fluctuations.
The total annual production of handline fishery in Negombo was estimated
at 367 MT which is about 18% of the total marine fish production in the
area. Carangids, rock fish, and seer fish dominate the catch ill most of the
months. Relatively more rock fish varieties are caught in the first half of the
year and carangids in the latter half.
