Conserving coral reef habitats

A diver coming up with a bag of sea garbage

Kapparathota Coral Reef in Weligama Bay

Coral clean-up in Weligama

Coral reefs are the breeding and nursery grounds for a large number of marine species. In addition, they provide coastal protection, are important for coastal tourism and for the marine fish industry.

In the recent past, coral reefs are being degraded on a global scale due to man-made and natural causes. Destructive fishing methods, coastal development and uncontrolled resource exploitation has had a serious negative impact on the status of coral reefs and subsequently the marine life that depends on these reefs. Coral reefs were further affected in 1998 during the widespread coral bleaching event and the 2004 tsunami. Their recovery has been slow and variable.

A resource survey of marine aquarium species recently carried out under the CIDA/IFAD/FAO project revealed that most coral reef habitats in the southern coast of Sri Lanka have been seriously degraded, posing a significant risk to the sustainable continuity of the fisheries industry. High pollution levels and physical damage to coral reefs have lowered their potential to recover.

It was then decided after two meetings held in the Matara District, to clean up and to save the Kapparathota Coral Reef, which is the last remaining living, extensive reef in the Southern coast.

As part of the Canada International Development Agency (CIDA)/International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) funded project to enhance the capacity of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (MFAR) launched a programme recently to clean the Kapparathota Coral Reef in Weligama Bay.

The programme is continuing to raise environmental awareness of the deteriorating condition of coral reefs among key stakeholders and the need for their protection In addition; the programme will promote closer linkages among the management authorities, improve communication among stakeholders and provide a platform for future development and conservation of the marine aquarium fish and coral reef habitats.

Perhaps most importantly, the quality and condition of the Kapparathota coral reef will be directly improved through this programme, contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources in Sri Lanka and ensuring that the multiple and exotic species dependent on this magnificent marine habitat are protected. (S.S)