Abstract:Marlin (Makira sp.) is one of the famous oceanic fish species in Sri Lankan fisheries.To reduce the risk of redistribution of Marlins in the future with the temperature change,it is important to find out the relationship of Marlins with sea surface temperature.Moreover,by identifying this relationship the cost to find the Marlin abundant places in order to catch them can be reduced.In this study,SST values of the year 2006 from Aqua/MODIS images within the region of latitudes 2.0-13.5°N and longitudes 76.5-88.0°E and the simultaneous Marlin catch data obtained from National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency were obtained for the analysis.To describe the relationship between SST and Marlins catch per unit effort (CPUE),the Empirical Cumulative Distribution Frequency (ECDF) analysis was used.The temporal variations of SST and fish availability and the relationship between them were analyzed by plotting the data separately for Northeastern,Southeastern,Northwestern and Southwestern areas.Most of the catches could be seen in the western area off the Sri Lankan waters.The fish CPUE changes could be observed with the changes of the SST.Highest frequency of Marlin catches were within the areas with SST of 27-28℃.According to the ECDF analysis,there was a significant relationship between the changes of CPUE and SST values of 22-31℃.The maximum abundance could be seen within 26-31℃.According to the SST changing pattern and the suitable SST values obtained from ECDF analysis,periods of March to May and July to October in Northeastern area,February to June and August to September in Northwestern area,February to July and September to December in Southeastern area,and March to January in Southwestern area are suitable for Marlin fishery.