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 popularsince 1982 and the number of boats increased to about 29 in 1984. In 1987 therewere around 50 purse seiners operating in this region. A study of the purseseine 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 Octoberto 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 ofabout 50 meters.

The average catch per unit effort for purse seiners for 1985/86 season wasabout 185.7 kg/boat. The total production by the purse seine fishery in thisarea in 1987 was about 250 MT. This contributes to about 30% of the totalsmall pelagic fish production in this region.

Amblygas.er sirm dominates the purse seine catch. Other importantspecies are Decapterus russelli, Rastrelliger kannagurta and Loligo singhalensis.Length frequency distribution studies of A. sirm show that the purse seiners fishin the same area and probably fish the same stocks as the small mesh gill nettersin this region.