Some aspects of the fishery, biology and
population dynamics of Sardinella sirm off the
coast of Negombo was studied. Sampling was
carried out approximately once every five days
for six months, January to June 1985, at the
landing site at Kuttiduwa in Negombo.
There is a continuous year round fishery for
this species. Catch and effort analysis of the
fishery revealed maximum production being
recorded in June. This fishery is very much
weather dependent and the fishery practically
comes to a halt on days of stormy weather.
A wide range of mesh sizes are used in the
fisheries with the 1 1/2" , mesh size being
most commonly used. The number of nets carried
by these boats very often consisted" of twenty
pieces and the fishery was conducted both at
dawn and at night. Fishing and sailing times
show wide fluctuations.
Length frequency distribution of the catches
indicate two cohorts or two year classes being
exploited. A protracted spawning season was
observed and mature fish were sampled in all
the months of study. The regression equation
for length-weight relationship was obtained,
which indicates that Sardinella sirm does not
change the shap~ of its body as it grows.
