A Marine wetland of Natural origin located in the Wet Zone of the Southern province. The Weligama reef is an important shallow fringing coral reef habitat located along the southern coast. It was once considered to be one of the best coral reefs along the southwest coast with a live coral cover of over 80%. The 1998 coral-bleaching event resulted in a decrease in species diversity of corals and fishes dependant on live coral. Currently, the live coral cover is around 32%. Weligama is an important fishing area and the reef is important for the collection of ornamental fish species. Coral patches varying in size from a few meters to over 30m across are scattered throughout the reef lagoon. The depth within the reef lagoon varies from 1m to around 3m. The reef is influenced by the southwest monsoon from May to October, which results in rough seas, although calm conditions tend to prevail throughout the year within the sheltered reef lagoon. Sea conditions are best between November and April. The inner reef lagoon contains extensive coral habitats dominated by branching Acropora spp. Significant stands of Montipora and Pocillopora are also found. There are extensive algal beds and significant sea grass patches within the reef lagoon dominated by Thalassia sp. Over 150 species of reef fish have been recorded from the reef, and the fish community is dominated by wrasses (Labridae) and damselfishes (Pomacentridae), including large colonies of territorial Stegastes spp. Several species of marine birds such as gulls and terns are also found around the reef area. Among the reef fish, Chlorurus rhakoura and Pomacentrus proteus are restricted to coral reefs in Sri Lanka . The rare and protected Labroides bicolour has been recorded at this reef, while Carcharhinus melanopterus are occasionally seen along the outer reef slope. Two species of globally endangered marine turtles (Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea) visit the reef. There is a high diversity of marine algae within the reef consisting mainly of Halimeda, Caulerpa, and Sargassum. Seagrasses include Thalassia sp. and Halodule sp. There is extensive collection of ornamental fish from the reef, which is a major livelihood for the associated community. Some artisanal fishing occurs within the reef area. There is a PADI dive centre at the Bay Beach Hotel located adjacent to the reef, which conducts SCUBA diving tours.

Weligama Reef Related references