A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the North-Western province and a proposed Ramsar site. The estuary is the second largest in the country and is one of the most productive basin estuaries, being important for its finfish and shellfish fisheries. This area is very rich in biodiversity, as it contains a range of coastal and marine habitats. This estuary plays a role in flood control and is important in driving the nutrient cycle and food chain in nearby coastal waters including the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary. Fringing mangroves are predominantly found in the larger islands in Puttalam estuary and Dutch bay and in a few locations on the mainland (Pallivasalthurei, Tannikudah, Kuringipiti, Mandalakudah, Kovilkudah, Keerimundel, Serakkuli and Karathivu areas). Small patches of over-washed mangroves occur around Kungimathottam. 14 exclusive or true mangrove species and 29 mangrove-associated species have been reported from Puttalam lagoon and Dutch bay. Two major constituent mangrove species are Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata, whilst Scyphiphora hydrophyllaceae is very rare, present only on the western shore of the estuary. Extreme soil salinities have given rise to five species of salt-tolerant herbaceous plants (halophytes). Eight species of sea grasses have been recorded. Over 50 species of fish, including fresh and salt-water forms have been recorded from the estuary. Among the other vertebrates, more than 100 species of birds have been recorded from the estuary and associated wetlands, dominated by water birds. Common food fish include Nematalosa nasus, Hilsa keeli, Mugil cephalus and Chanos chanos. Cartilaginous fish include sharks (Chiloscyllium griseum, Carcharhinus spp.) and rays (Aetibatus narinari, Rhinoptera javenica). Among marine mammals, Sousa chinensis and the globally endangered Dugong dugon visit the estuary. Economically important prawn species (Penaeus semisulcatus and P. indicus), and crab (Portunus pelagicus) form a major component of the export market. Bivalves such as Gafrarium tumidum, Marcia opima and M. biantina are commercially important. The estuary harbours large populations of migratory water birds, including terns (Gelochelidon nilotica, Sterna hirundo, Thalasseus bengalensis), waders (Charadrius mongolus, Charadrius leschenaultia, Tringa tetanus, Calidris alba), and locally declining species such as Pelecanus philippensis. Marine reptiles include sea snakes (Enhydrina schistosa and Pelamis platurus), and two species of globally endangered turtles (Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea). The Church, Port and Fort located in the vicinity are of historical significance being constructed during the Dutch period. An ancient site called ?Gange? in the vicinity of Kandakuliya is reported to have been occupied by the sister of Kuweni, the wife of King Vijaya, the first Sinhala King.

Puttalam Estuary Related references