Status of the Coral Reefs of Sri Lanka
De Silva, M.W.R.N.
Status of the Coral Reefs of Sri Lanka - Tahiti, International Coral Reef Congress, 1985, - 515-518p. - Proceeding of the Fifth International Coral Reef Congress ; Vol.6 .
Although coral reefs fringe a major part of the coastline of Sri Lanka, the better known ones are those that fringe the northeastern coast near Trincanalee, the southern coast near Dondra Head and the southwestern coast near Hikkaduwa. Information on the Sri Lankan corals and coral communities are scattered and scanty. Seventy species of he.imatypic corals belonging to 27 genera and 20 species of ahermatypic corals belonging to 12 genera have been recorded for Sri Lanka. Use of explosives to catch fish, coral mining for the manufacture of lime, and the feeding activities of the 'Crown of Thorns' starfish (Acanthaster planci) have cause extensive damage to several coral reef areas in Sri Lanka. Several reefs are also being stressed by tourist pressure and the collection of colourful coral reef fishes for export. Although sufficient legislation exists in Sri Lanka to prevent’ the degradation of the corai reef resources under the Crown Lands Act, the Fauna and Flora protection Ordinance, as well as the Fisheries Ordinance, lack of enforcement and especially the political considerations and priorities of a developing nation have rendered this legislation ineffective. Further, even the few coral reef areas that have been declared either reserves or sanctuaries have not functioned as such due to lack, of follow-up regulations and a clear policy on an enforcement authority. ’ This paper discusses corrective measures that could be taken within the framework of a developing nation to prevent the further degradation of the coral reefs. The following are highlighted: i) The need for formal and informal education of users and abusers of coral reefs as well as policy makers on the value of and the need to manage coral reefs. ii) The need for conducting research aimed at showing the value of coral reefs and the immediate and long-terms benefits of rational management. iii) The need for the establishment of Zoned Marine Parks for multiple use and separate authorities with local participation to manage these. iv) The need to use mass communication media such as radio, television and newspapers, as well as local languages and dialects to educate the public.
Status of the Coral Reefs of Sri Lanka - Tahiti, International Coral Reef Congress, 1985, - 515-518p. - Proceeding of the Fifth International Coral Reef Congress ; Vol.6 .
Although coral reefs fringe a major part of the coastline of Sri Lanka, the better known ones are those that fringe the northeastern coast near Trincanalee, the southern coast near Dondra Head and the southwestern coast near Hikkaduwa. Information on the Sri Lankan corals and coral communities are scattered and scanty. Seventy species of he.imatypic corals belonging to 27 genera and 20 species of ahermatypic corals belonging to 12 genera have been recorded for Sri Lanka. Use of explosives to catch fish, coral mining for the manufacture of lime, and the feeding activities of the 'Crown of Thorns' starfish (Acanthaster planci) have cause extensive damage to several coral reef areas in Sri Lanka. Several reefs are also being stressed by tourist pressure and the collection of colourful coral reef fishes for export. Although sufficient legislation exists in Sri Lanka to prevent’ the degradation of the corai reef resources under the Crown Lands Act, the Fauna and Flora protection Ordinance, as well as the Fisheries Ordinance, lack of enforcement and especially the political considerations and priorities of a developing nation have rendered this legislation ineffective. Further, even the few coral reef areas that have been declared either reserves or sanctuaries have not functioned as such due to lack, of follow-up regulations and a clear policy on an enforcement authority. ’ This paper discusses corrective measures that could be taken within the framework of a developing nation to prevent the further degradation of the coral reefs. The following are highlighted: i) The need for formal and informal education of users and abusers of coral reefs as well as policy makers on the value of and the need to manage coral reefs. ii) The need for conducting research aimed at showing the value of coral reefs and the immediate and long-terms benefits of rational management. iii) The need for the establishment of Zoned Marine Parks for multiple use and separate authorities with local participation to manage these. iv) The need to use mass communication media such as radio, television and newspapers, as well as local languages and dialects to educate the public.