Negombo Lagoon is a large estuarine lagoon in Negombo, south-west Sri Lanka.
| Negombo Lagoon | |
|---|---|
  Negombo Lagoon | |
| Location | Western Province, Sri Lanka |
| Coordinates | 7°09′N 79°51′E / 7.150°N 79.850°E |
| Type | Lagoon |
| Primary inflows | Ja-Ela Attanagalu Oya Old Dutch Canal |
| Primary outflows | Indian Ocean |
| Surface area | 35.02 square kilometres (13.52 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 1 metre (3.3 ft) |
| Surface elevation | Sea level |
| Settlements | Negombo |
The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers and the Hamilton Canal (also known as the Dutch canal). It is linked to the sea by a narrow channel to the north, near Negombo city. It is surrounded by a densely populated region containing rice paddies, coconut plantations and grassland. The land is used for fishing and agriculture. The lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds including cormorants, herons, egrets, gulls, terns and other waders. Negombo, Katunayake, Seeduwa are some nearby towns. Lagoon fishing is popular among the fishing community in Negombo. Lagoon crabs and lagoon prawns are in high taste and demand.
References
edit- S.W. Kotagama, Leonard Pinto and Jayampathi L. Samarakoon. "Sri Lanka" (PDF). Wetlands International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2009.