Author(s): Gajaba Ellepola, Kithsiri B. Ranawana, Samitha Harischandra

Abstract: Lagoons are highly productive ecosystems. They contribute to fisheries productions of a country. The status of fishery in the Panama lagoon has not been assessed in the past. This study was conducted during June 2011 to April 2012 to assess the status of fishery in Panama lagoon. Daily catch brought to the landing centers by fishermen were used as the primary source of data to assess the status of fishery. Forty five species of fish belonging to 31 families, four species of shrimps and the mangrove crab, Scylla serrata were harvested from the lagoon using different fishing gears. The total production of this lagoon was estimated to be about 7405.88 kg/km²/yr. The productivity is high in the lagoon compared to the average annual productivity of lagoons in Sri Lanka. Non-regulation of net mesh sizes and certain unauthorized activities have caused certain environmental issues in the lagoon hence suitable management practices should be introduced to ensure the sustainability of the lagoon ecosystem.

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