An investigative study on daily fish price and sales at Peliyagoda Central Fish Market Complex

Abstract

The Peliyagoda Central Fish Market Complex stands as the premier wholesale fish marketing hub in Sri Lanka. It receives the daily fish harvest from approximately 30 fisheries harbors covering the entire coastal belt of the island. The central research problem investigates why the prices of small fish species remain relatively higher than those of larger varieties specifically during the period from February to the end of May. Consequently, the objective of this study is to examine the determinants of daily fish price fluctuations and their subsequent impact on daily sales.

The research was conducted based on the hypothesis that fluctuations in the supply of Balaya (Skipjack Tuna) and Linna (Scad) have a direct impact on the daily price variations of other fish varieties. The methodology employed a sample of 30 wholesale stalls selected from a total population of 154 stalls. Data collection utilized direct observation, interviews, and questionnaires as primary sources, alongside secondary data on daily fish prices obtained from the administrative office of the complex affiliated with the Ministry of Fisheries. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and statistical methods, with Microsoft Excel being utilized for the statistical analysis of price trends.

The findings confirm that the theory of supply and demand directly influences daily price changes and sales volume. Furthermore, the supply of the fish harvest is determined by changes in monsoon wind patterns. The study also identified that Balaya and Linna record the highest sales volumes within the complex. The research concludes that daily fish prices can be brought under better control by upgrading the existing cold storage facilities at the market complex and by establishing a more formal distribution network through the active intervention of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation.