TY - BOOK AU - Amarasinghe, M.D. TI - Mangrove Ecosystems in Sri Lanka: Their Resources & Value PY - 1987///, CY - Sri Lanka PB - NARA KW - Mangroves in Sri Lanka N2 - Total extent of mangrove areas in Sri Lanka is 8000 - 10,000 ha and they are mainly located around lagoons and estuaries. 21 exclusive mangrove species, 17 mangrove associated species and 5 salt marsh species have been recorded from Sri Lanka. Fin fish, crustaceans and bivalves constitute the major mangrove fauna. Value of mangrove ecosystems derive both from the forest products such as firewood, tanbark and timber they produce and the amenities/services they render, such as shoreline/river bank protection, reduction of flood^damage and especially as nursary and feeding grounds for a variety of aquatic organisms, including commercially important species. Mangrove areas/waters in Sri Lanka are primarily used for fishing, which is artisanal in nature and such areas alojiig the south western coast are also used for tourist recreation. Monetory gains from forest products are less than •• those from fishery yields. Human dependence as well as their impact on the resource are discussed ER -