A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Semi-arid Zone of the Southern province. Despite being traditionally viewed and referred to as a lagoon, Rekawa is a shallow brackish water estuary, connected to the sea via two outlets: Kapuhenwela (natural) and Medilla (man made canal). Mangroves, coral reefs and five species of globally threatened marine turtles in nearby coastal waters gives high biological value to the lagoon and surrounding environment. Fisheries are the most important livelihood of the rural village community in the vicinity of the wetland. The lagoon receives most of its water from the inland watershed draining the Kirama Oya, whose water is mainly used for irrigation through 19 anicuts, before reaching the lagoon. Mangrove and scrub forest surround the lagoon, which is bound on the seaward side by a broad, sandy beach 10km long. Towards the beach, littoral species such as Bryophyllum pinnata and Cyperus rotundus can be found. The halophytes and Bacopa monniera and Ipomoea aquatica are found close to water. 37 fish, 9 crustacean and 104 bird species (15 migrants) have been recorded from the lagoon environment. Off the northeastern side of the Rekawa headline there is a shallow fringing reef about 100- 150 m wide and 300 m long. Thirty-five species of stony corals and 138 species of reef and reef associated fish have been recorded there. Common finfish in fish catches include Anabas testudineus, Channa orientalis, Etroplus suratensis, Hyporanphus limbatus, Oreochromis spp., and Anchoviella spp. Three species of economically important prawn are found in the lagoon (Penaeus indicus, Metapenaeus monoceros and Penaeus monodon). The most common nesting turtle species is Chelonia mydas. The TCP conducts nature based tourism programmes on the in-situ conservation of marine turtles in the adjoining beach area. Recently, the USAID funded SCOTIA has selected Rekawa lagoon area to promote ecotourism.

Rekawa Mangroves Related references