Sri Lanka
Evaluating the Reefs, Debris Removal, and Restoration
Dr. Deborah Brosnan, founder of the Tsunami Reef Action Fund, and Lisa Stzukowski went to Sri Lanka where they evaluated several reefs, and developed important projects to support local people in reef repair and restoration.
The Fund has seeded several efforts, and we are supporting many local individuals and organizations. Among the projects that we’re carrying out and supporting in Sri Lanka are:
East Coast Divers & Fisherman
The
east coast of Sri Lanka was just emerging from the devastating effects
of a twenty-year civil war when the tsunami roared ashore. This region
depends heavily on its reefs and fisheries for subsistence and survival.
Reefs and boats were destroyed by the tsunami. SEI surveyed the reefs on
the east coast and funded local people to help in the assessment and clean
up. We are continuing to support these efforts through a local dive operator
coordinator. We have removed fishing nets (some over a half mile long)
and other debris from the reefs. As a result of this work, several local
fishermen have gone to the authorities to request better implementation
of fisheries and conservation policies and an enforcement of the ban on
dynamite fishing. Our work has been a catalyst for change as well as providing
ecological and economic relief. See more east
coast photos.
A Consortium of Divers
In January 2005, IUCN Sri Lanka and the following organizations: National
Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Coral Reef Degradation
in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN),
and Sri Lanka Sub-Aqua Club (SLSAC), conducted a reef survey to assess
damage and level of need. Debris removal from the reef was one of the key
needs. SEI’s Tsunami Reef Action Fund has been supporting this effort
which includes funding local people to participate in coral reef assessment
and debris clean up along Sri Lanka’s west coast.
Tons of debris including fishing nets, sheet concrete, barbed wire, and glass have been taken off the reefs. This effort will take a long time and the monsoons are dragging more debris that was buried in the sand by the tsunami onto the reefs. We anticipate that it will be a full year before this work can be completed and the reefs safe from debris damage.
Center for Conservation Research (CCR)
The CCR Sri Lanka is a locally run organization addressing Sri Lankan conservation efforts and employing and training local people. CCR is evaluating how the reef impacted the Yala National Park and focusing on recovery and conservation actions. Working in conjunction with SEI and the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Services, CCR is evaluating post-tsunami conditions in the Park, and exploring how natural systems such as reefs and mangroves may have provided protection to the lands from the tsunami. In addition we are providing funding and equipment.
This work has already yielded important information including:
- Sand dunes protected land and property from the tsunami.
- Early assessments found the remains of several species of wildlife that had been killed by the tsunami.
The tsunami ripped out corals and other marine creatures and tossed them on
the shore where they subsequently died.- Salt water inundated the landscape and salt killed grasses and other plants. The grasses are now regenerating.
Corals and sea life from Pottana and Ussangoda reefs were thrown on the land by the tsunami. See more photos from the Center for Conservation Research (CRR).
