A Marine wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the Eastern province. Passikudah Bay contains a shallow fringing coral reef towards the outer bay with scattered coral communities within the bay, and is connected to similar reef systems further south towards Kalkudah. It is one of the best-known reef systems in the east and has been proposed as a Marine Sanctuary. Passikudah is very popular among visitors due to the calm clear waters ideal for swimming but is currently only rarely visited due to the volatile security situation. The reef is characterized by a shallow reef crest, inner reef lagoon and a steep outer reef slope. The inner reef lagoon has a depth of 0.5-2m while the outer reef slope extends seaward to a depth of around 8m. Coral growth is most extensive towards the north-western and south-eastern ends of the bay towards Natchivantivu and Kalkudah respectively. Numerous micro atolls of massive corals are found within the shallow sections of the reef lagoon. The outer reef slope contains the most prolific coral growth dominated by branching and tabulate Acropora, Echinopora lamellosa, Montipora spp. and massive corals. The reef fish community is dominated by damselfishes (Pomacentridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), parrotfishes (Scaridae) and wrasses (Labridae). The reef fish Chlorurus rhakoura which is endemic to Sri Lanka is commonly encountered, while a coral (Porites desilveri) is also restricted to Sri Lanka. Two species of globally threatened sea turtles (Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea) visit the reef area. Marine algae mainly Sargassum spp., Ulva spp. and Caulerpa spp. are found in abundance within the reef lagoon. The calm conditions and clear waters that prevail within the inner reef lagoon make it ideal for swimming, and the beaches were popular among locals and foreign tourist.

Pasikudak-Kalkudah Reef Related references