Sri Lanka Coral Reef Enrichment Program launched by Live Tropical Fish Exporters

Sri Lanka’s Live Tropical Fish Exporters Association (LTFEA), the industrial body representing the Ornamental Fish Exports in the country said that they will be launching a Coral Reef Enrichment Program in an effort to safeguard and protect the Marine Fish and Marine Living habitat in Coral Reef Ecosystems around the country’s coastaline.
Accordingly, the members of the Live Tropical Fish Exporters along with the Ministry of Fisheries, Export Development Board (EDB), Department of Quarantine, Sri Lanka Navy, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) and over 250 divers and industry stakeholders will participate at the Coral Reef Enrichment Program on 17th August 2016 at Trincomalee. They will clean up the coral colonies in the area in an effort to improve the marine habitat ecosystems in the coral reefs.
In general, marine habitats can be modified by their inhabitants and marine organisms, such corals, kelp, mangroves and seagrasses, are ecosystem engineers which reshape the marine environment to the point where they create further habitat for other organisms. Thus it is vital to protect the natural marine engineers such as corals to ensure the survival of marine creatures in the sea. Reefs comprise some of the densest and most diverse habitats in the world. The best-known types of reefs are tropical coral reefs which exist in most tropical waters; however, reefs can also exist in cold water. Reefs are built up by corals and other calcium-depositing animals, usually on top of a rocky outcrop on the ocean floor. Reefs can also grow on other surfaces, which has made it possible to create artificial reefs. Coral reefs also support a huge community of life, including the corals themselves, tropical fish and many other organisms.
Sri Lanka has an abundance of coral reefs around most part of the island. They are rich in biodiversity with over 180 hard coral species recorded. The colourful coral reefs with tropical fish and other marine species, and ship wrecks with spectacular artificial reefs can be explored at several diving and snorkelling locations. All hard coral species are protected through the Fauna and Flora Protection Act by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Coral reef habitats are also protected under the Coast Conservation Act, but are limited to coastal waters, within 2km of the high water mark.
Being a pioneer in the industry Aquatic Nurseries also joined this project in an effort to protect the Coral Reefs in the country with all the other members of the Live Tropical Fish Exporters (LTFEA) of Sri Lanka