Negombo Lagoon

7°09′N 79°51′E / 7.150°N 79.850°E / 7.150; 79.850TypeLagoonPrimary inflowsJa-Ela
Attanagalu Oya
Old Dutch CanalPrimary outflowsIndian OceanSurface area35.02 square kilometres (13.52 sq mi)Max. depth1 metre (3.3 ft)Surface elevationSea levelSettlementsNegombo

Negombo Lagoon is a large estuarine lagoon in Negombo, south-west Sri Lanka.

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

• 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.

External links

• Negombo lagoon sky view