Preliminary Observations on the Purse Seine Fishery in the South-west Coast of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Purse seine fishing in the south west coast of Sri Lanka became popular since 1982 and the number of boats increased to about 29 in 1984. In 1987 there were around 50 purse seiners operating in this region. A study of the purse seine fishery and its impact on other small scale fisheries were initiated in 1985. The paper presents the results of a surveyfor the period 1985 to 1987. Purse seinefishery is carried out only during the calm months (ie from October to April). 3 1/2 ton boats with inboard engines are used in this fishery. The length of the nets range from 150-210 meters and has an average depth of about 50 meters. The average catch per unit effort for purse seiners for 1985/86 season was about 185.7 kg/boat. The total production by the purse seine fishery in this area in 1987 was about 250 MT. This contributes to about 30% of the total small pelagic fish production in this region. Amblygas.er sirm dominates the purse seine catch. Other important species are Decapterus russelli, Rastrelliger kannagurta and Loligo singhalensis. Length frequency distribution studies of A. sirm show that the purse seiners fish in the same area and probably fish the same stocks as the small mesh gill netters in this region.