A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the Northern province. Palk Bay is a semi-enclosed shallow water body that separates Sri Lanka from India and opens on the eastern side into the Bay of Bengal and the western side into the Gulf of Mannar. It is characterised by a number of coastal wetland habitats such as inter-tidal mudflats, sand banks and mangroves along its shores, extending into the shallow brackish water habitat of Vidattaitivu Lagoon. On the western side along the Gulf of Mannar, it is interrupted by Pamban Island and minor islands and sand bars of Adams Bridge between Pamban Island and Mannar Island . The Jaffna Lagoon opens into the north-western part of the Bay. Several small islands and sand cays are found around Devils Point. Coastal areas around Palk Bay are characterized by shallow depths and generally turbid conditions, giving rise to numerous coastal wetlands. The coastline is dominated by mangroves and inter-tidal mud flats, while surrounding areas are dominated by dry scrub forests. Seagrass habitats are also known to exist within Palk Bay . The shallow depths and muddy substrate support prawns and small fish species such as leiognathids, engraulids and clupeids, while more open ocean species such as carangids, sphyraenids and scombrids are found towards Mannar Island. The famous Mannar pearl banks are also located within Palk Bay . Mangrove areas are important habitats for waterbirds. Fisheries, particularly prawn fisheries and beach seines, as well as the collection of chanks and sea cucumbers are the major activities carried out in the area. There are numerous sites of historical importance such as ancient ports and both Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Palk Bay-Viadattaitivu Lagoon Related references