The Pearl Protectors

Effects of El Niño on Marine Food Chains

The Pearl Protectors — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:22:50 +0000

By : Sajini Perera

El Niño is a phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), one of the most significant natural climate phenomena affecting the world’s oceans. El Niño–Southern Oscillation involves a cycle of changes in ocean temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the tropical Pacific Ocean. During El Niño, unusually warm surface water develops in the central and eastern Pacific, altering normal ocean circulation patterns. Marine food chains are mainly based on the balance between the physical and biological interactions in the ocean. In a marine food chain, the primary producers are the phytoplankton, which do photosynthesis, and these organisms provide food for zooplankton, small fish, large predators, marine mammals, and seabirds. As all organisms are connected through the food web, when there’s a small change at the lowest level, it can have an impact on the whole system.

Under normal conditions, the upwelling process happens, which means that strong trade winds push warm surface water from the eastern Pacific toward the western Pacific. Through this process, cold, nutrient-rich water from deeper ocean layers moves to the surface layers, which supports the growth of phytoplankton. But during El Niño, as trade winds weaken, warm surface water moves eastward, and upwelling becomes weakened. As a result, lower nutrients in the surface layer cause less growth for phytoplankton, and ocean productivity declines. So, the amount of energy entering the food chain is reduced. When El Niño occurs, it can also cause a decrease in the diversity of phytoplankton species; species that require more nutrients they get decrease while the species require less nutrients grow faster during El Niño. Zooplankton are directly reliant on phytoplankton, as when phytoplankton populations decrease during El Niño, zooplankton populations also decrease due to the reduced availability of food. Small fish such as anchovies, sardines, and herring get reduced as they directly depend on phytoplankton. Also, these fish migrate into cooler waters, and their reproduction rates decline. Fish eggs and larvae are affected due to reduced food availability. Large predatory fish such as tuna, sharks, and swordfish populations get reduced as their prey becomes less abundant or migrates to other regions. So, predator fish have to travel long distances to find food, using more energy, and as a result, their reproduction declines. Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seals, are also impacted by the reduced availability of food. Sea birds are dependent on fish populations, and they can be considered as highly sensitive indicators for the changes of the marine food chain.

El Niño can disrupt predator-prey relationships, while predators arrive in areas where prey have already disappeared, and fish move to new regions and encounter a familiar predator. Also, this causes an increase in competition between species for limited food resources. During El Niño conditions, it reduces the amount of energy available at higher levels when large predators receive much less energy because the food chain becomes weaker from its primary levels. El Niño causes warm-water species to replace cold-water species, changes in feeding in species, new competition between species, and temporary changes in marine community structure.

El Niño leads to high water temperature that leading to coral bleaching and coral mortality. Dead corals lead to deterioration of reef ecosystems through the removal of habitat, breeding grounds, and food for reef-associated fish and other organisms. Fewer prey organisms lead to fewer food sources for predator species in food chains.

In Sri Lanka, seawater temperature also affects where fish live and how they migrate. When the water gets warmer, it changes the environment, makes it less productive, and results in fewer fish being caught. El Niño can disrupt the food chains in Sri Lanka’s seas by changing the temperature of the ocean’s surface, how the water moves, and how many nutrients are available. These changes affect phytoplankton and zooplankton amounts, which then affect fish that swim in the open sea and bigger fish, such as tuna. When fish move differently and coral reefs bleach, it can finally change the marine biodiversity and fisheries productivity.

After El Niño ends, marine food chains can recover when normal ocean conditions return. However, repeated or intense El Niño events can make recovery more difficult by repeatedly disturbing the same food chains. If important species decline for long periods, the structure of the ecosystem may change.

El Niño affects marine food chains by disrupting the supply of nutrients that support primary producers. As marine food chains are interconnected, a change at one level can spread throughout the entire ecosystem. El Niño demonstrates how physical changes in the ocean environment can influence the movement of energy through marine webs and alter the abundance of ocean life, directly impacting biodiversity.

Feature Image : Beachgoers pass a dead common murre on a beach near Scripps Pier during a survey for dying seabirds Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in San Diego.

இலங்கையின் ஆழ்கடல் மற்றும் கடலோரப் பகுதிகள் எதிர்கொள்ளும் மறைமுக இரசாயன அச்சுறுத்தல்கள்: ஒரு விழிப்புணர்வுப் பார்வை

The Pearl Protectors — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:10:00 +0000

எழுத்தாக்கம் : அப்துல் பாஸித் பஷீர்

சந்தையில் வழக்கமாக வாங்கும் மீன் கிடைக்கவில்லை என்றால், அல்லது அதன் விலை உயர்ந்திருந்தால், அதன் காரணம் என்ன என்று எப்போதாவது யோசித்ததுண்டா? சமூக-பொருளாதார காரணங்களுக்கு அப்பால் அதற்கான மிக முக்கிய காரணி, நம் சமுத்திரங்களின் ஆரோக்கியத்தில்தான் மறைந்துள்ளது.

இலங்கையின் கடல் என்பது வெறும் இயற்கை வளம் மட்டுமல்ல, அது எமது நாட்டின் உயிர்நாடியாகும். சுமார் 1,620 கி.மீ நீளமுள்ள கடற்கரையைக் கொண்ட இந்தத் தீவு, 1,800-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட மீன் இனங்கள் (Fish Species) மற்றும் 380-க்கும் அதிகமான பவளப்பாறை (Coral Reefs) இனங்கள் வாழும் வளமான கடல்சார் பல்லுயிர் மண்டலமாக (Marine Biodiversity Hotspot) விளங்குகிறது. தென்மேற்குப் பவளப்பாறைகள், கல்பிட்டி மீன்வளம், மற்றும் கரையோர மீனவ சமூகங்கள் இதன் பெறுமதிக்குச் சான்றாக உள்ளன. அதேவேளை, சுமார் 30% மக்கள் கடலோரப் பகுதிகளில் வாழ்கின்றனர். 60% நகரங்கள் கடற்கரையை ஒட்டியே அமைந்துள்ளன. கண்டல் காடுகள், கடலோர ஈரநிலங்கள், கடல் புற்றரைகள் போன்ற 21 கடல்சார் வாழிடங்களில் (Marine Habitats) 10 ஏற்கனவே அழிவின் அச்சுறுத்தலை எதிர்கொள்கின்றன. மேலும் சமுத்திர மாசுபாட்டில் சுமார் 80% மனித நடவடிக்கைகளால் ஏற்படுகிறது என்பதும், இந்த அரிய கடல்சார் செல்வத்தைப் பாதுகாப்பது சுற்றுச்சூழல் மட்டுமல்ல தேசிய வாழ்வாதாரத்தின் எதிர்காலத்தையும் பாதுகாப்பதாகும் என்பதை வலியுறுத்துகிறது.

இலங்கையின் கடல்சார் எதிர்காலம், நமது ஆழ்கடலின் பரப்பளவால் அல்ல, அது கரையோரம் வரை பரவி இருக்கும் இரசாயனச் சமநிலை எவ்வளவு திறம்படப் பாதுகாக்கப்படுகிறது என்பதில் தான் தங்கியுள்ளது. ஆனால், அந்த அழகிய நீல நிறத்திற்கு கீழால் ஒரு மறைமுக அச்சுறுத்தல் உருவெடுத்து வருகிறது. அதுதான் ‘சமுத்திர இரசாயன மாசுபாடு’ (Marine Chemical Hazards).

பெரும்பாலும் நாம் கடலோரப் பகுதிகளில் ஏற்படும் பாதிப்புகளை மட்டுமே கவனத்தில் கொள்கிறோம். ஆனால், இன்று நாம் சிந்திக்கவேண்டிய மிக முக்கியமான கேள்வி, இலங்கையின் ஆழ்கடல் மற்றும் கடலோரப் பகுதிகள் ஆகிய இரண்டிற்கும் பொதுவான ஒரு இரசாயன அச்சுறுத்தல்-தளம் இருக்க முடியுமா? என்பது குறித்த விழிப்புணர்வு நமக்கு அவசியமாகிறது. ஆனால் இலங்கையில் ஆழ்கடல் ரசாயன கண்காணிப்பிற்கான தனித்த தேசிய தரவு இன்னும் குறைவாகவே உள்ளது. இந்த இரண்டு வலயங்களும் எவ்வாறு ஒரே அச்சுறுத்தலின் கீழ் வருகின்றன என்பதை நாம் ஆராய வேண்டியுள்ளது.

பொதுவான அடிப்படை :

கடலோரச் சூழலியல் (Coastal Ecology) மற்றும் ஆழ்கடல் சூழலியல் (Deep-sea Ecology) ஆகிய இரண்டும் வெவ்வேறு பண்புகளைக் கொண்டிருந்தாலும், இரசாயன அச்சுறுத்தல்களைப் பொறுத்தவரை அவை ஒன்றோடொன்று பின்னிப் பிணைந்தவை. கடலோரப் பகுதியில் ஏற்படும் இரசாயனக் கசிவுகள் அல்லது மாசடைதல்கள் நீரோட்டங்கள் வழியாக ஆழ்கடலுக்குக் கடத்தப்பட வாய்ப்புள்ளது. அதேவேளை, ஆழ்கடலில் நிகழும் மாற்றங்கள் இறுதியில் கடற்கரையோரப் பகுதிகளின் சமநிலையைப் பாதிக்கின்றன.

இலங்கையின் வளங்கள் :

இலங்கையிடம் சில வலுவான கட்டமைப்புகள் உள்ளன. உயர்கல்வி நிறுவனங்களில் கடல்சார் சூழலியல் (Marine Ecology) , இரசாயனவியல் (Chemistry) உள்ளிட்ட துறைகளில் திறமையான ஆய்வாளர்கள் உருவாகி வருகின்றனர். தேசிய நீரியல் வள ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் மேம்பாட்டு முகமை (NARA), கடல்சார் சுற்றுச்சூழல் பாதுகாப்பு அதிகாரசபை (MEPA), கடலோர பாதுகாப்பு மற்றும் கடலோர வள முகாமைத்துவத் திணைக்களம் (CCD), மற்றும் மீன்வள அமைச்சு போன்ற நிறுவனங்கள், பல தசாப்தங்களாக இலங்கையின் கடல்சார் வள மேலாண்மை, கண்காணிப்பு மற்றும் பாதுகாப்பு நடவடிக்கைகளில் இலங்கையின் கல்விசார் பின்புலம், தொழில்முறை அனுபவம் மற்றும் ஈடுபாட்டை வெளிப்படுத்துகின்றன.

தற்போதைய இடைவெளிகள் மற்றும் சவால்கள் :

இந்த வளங்கள் அனைத்தும் ஒரு சிறந்த அடித்தளமாக இருந்தாலும், அவற்றை நாம் எவ்வாறு ஒருங்கிணைக்கப் போகிறோம் என்பதிலேயே நமது வெற்றி தங்கியுள்ளது.

நிபுணத்துவ (Expertise) அடிப்படையில் ஆழ்கடல் இரசாயன மாற்றங்கள் மற்றும் சூழல்நச்சியல் (Ecotoxicology) குறித்த பிரத்யேகமான நிபுணத்துவம் இலங்கையில் இன்னும் போதுமான அளவில் வளர்ச்சி பெறவில்லை. மேலும் தொழில்நுட்பத் திறன் (Technical Capability) ரீதியாக ஆழ்கடலில் உள்ள இரசாயன அபாயங்களைக் கண்டறிந்து கண்காணிப்பதற்கான நவீன தொழில்நுட்பக் கருவிகள் மற்றும் அதிநவீன ஆய்வக வசதிகளில் இலங்கை இன்னும் பின்தங்கியே உள்ளது.

அத்தோடு சமுத்திர பாதுகாப்பிற்கான கொள்கை மற்றும் ஆளுகைச் சட்டகம் (Policy and Governance Framework) ஓரளவிற்கு இருந்தாலும், ஆழ்கடல் மற்றும் இரசாயனப் பாதுகாப்பை ஒருங்கிணைக்கும் தெளிவான சட்டக் கட்டமைப்பு அல்லது நிர்வாக ரீதியான ஒருங்கிணைப்பு இன்னும் மேம்படுத்தப்படவேண்டி உள்ளது. முறையான ஆய்வுகளைத் தொடர்ச்சியாக முன்னெடுப்பதற்கான நிதி ஒதுக்கீடுகள் மற்றும் சர்வதேச தரத்திலான கண்காணிப்பு அமைப்புகளை உருவாக்குவதிலும் சவால்கள் நீடிக்கின்றன.

கடந்த காலத்தில், இலங்கையின் கடலோரச் சூழல் இயற்கைச் சமநிலையைத் தாங்கிய ஒரு வலுவான உயிரியல் அமைப்பாக (Biodiversity Structure) விளங்கியது. ஆனால் இன்று, மனிதச் செயற்பாடுகளால் ஏற்படும் மாசுபாடு, வாழிடச் சீரழிவு (Habitat Degradation) மற்றும் எல் நினோ (El Niño) போன்ற காலநிலை மாறுபாடுகள் இந்த இயற்கை அரண்களை படிப்படியாக பலவீனப்படுத்தி வருகின்றன. இந்தப் போக்கு தொடருமானால், எதிர்காலத்தில் கடல்சார் பல்லுயிர், மீன்வளம், கரையோர சமூகங்களின் வாழ்வாதாரம் மற்றும் நாட்டின் நீலப் பொருளாதாரத்தின் (Blue Economy) நிலைத்தன்மை ஆகியவை கடுமையான அச்சுறுத்தலை எதிர்கொள்ளும் அபாயம் உள்ளது.

தர்க்கரீதியாகப் பார்க்கும்போது, இலங்கையிடம் உள்ள கல்விசார் வளங்களை விட, தொழில்நுட்பம் மற்றும் கொள்கை ரீதியான பின்னடைவுகள் (Setbacks) மேலோங்கியே காணப்படுகின்றன. இந்த இடைவெளிகளை நிரப்பாமல் நாம் முழுமையான பாதுகாப்பை உறுதி செய்ய முடியாது.

எதிர்காலத்திற்கான மூலோபாயத் திட்டங்கள்

இரசாயன அச்சுறுத்தல்களை முறியடிக்க அரசாங்கம், கல்வித்துறை மற்றும் தொழில்முறை சூழல்களில் ஒருங்கிணைந்த மாற்றங்கள் அவசியமாகும்.

குறுகிய காலத்தில், இலங்கையின் கடலோர மற்றும் ஆழ்கடல் பகுதிகளில் உருவாகும் இரசாயனப் பாதிப்புகளை ஆரம்ப நிலையிலேயே கண்டறிந்து தொடர்ந்து மதிப்பிடக்கூடிய ஒருங்கிணைந்த கண்காணிப்பு வலையமைப்பை (Integrated Monitoring Network) உருவாக்குவது முதன்மையாக இருக்க வேண்டும். அதேவேளை, தற்போதுள்ள சமுத்திரம் சார் ஒழுங்குமுறைச் சட்டகங்களில் இரசாயன அபாயங்கள் தொடர்பான தெளிவான பிரிவுகளைச் சேர்த்து அவற்றை வலுப்படுத்துவதும் அவசியமாகும். இதனுடன், ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள், அரச நிறுவனங்கள் மற்றும் தொழில்நுட்ப நிபுணர்கள் இடையே ஆய்வுத் தகவல்களை விரைவாகப் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ளக்கூடிய தேசிய அளவிலான ஒருங்கிணைந்த தரவுத்தளத்தை (Centralized Database) உருவாக்குவது, அறிவியல் அடிப்படையிலான முடிவுகளுக்கு உறுதியான அடித்தளமாக அமையும்.

நீண்ட கால நோக்கில், அரசாங்கம், பல்கலைக்கழகங்கள் மற்றும் ஆராய்ச்சி நிறுவனங்களை ஒருங்கிணைக்கும் பிரத்யேக கடல்சார் நச்சியல் (Marine Ecotoxicology) ஆராய்ச்சி மையத்தை நிறுவுவது காலத்தின் தேவையாகும். இதனுடன், சர்வதேச நாடுகள் மற்றும் முன்னணி ஆராய்ச்சி நிறுவனங்களுடன் தொழில்நுட்பப் பரிமாற்றங்களையும் அறிவியல் ஒத்துழைப்புகளையும் வலுப்படுத்தி, ஆழ்கடல் கண்காணிப்பிற்குத் தேவையான அதிநவீன கருவிகள், பகுப்பாய்வு வசதிகளைப் பெற்றுக்கொள்ள வேண்டும். மேலும், பல்கலைக்கழகப் பாடத்திட்டங்களில் ஆழ்கடல் இரசாயனவியல் (Deep-sea Chemistry), கடல்சார் நச்சியல், மற்றும் சூழலியல் கொள்கை மேலாண்மை (Environmental Policy Management) போன்ற துறைகளை ஒருங்கிணைப்பதன் மூலம், எதிர்கால கடல்சார் சவால்களை அறிவியல் ரீதியாக எதிர்கொள்ளும் திறன் கொண்ட புதிய தலைமுறை நிபுணர்களை உருவாக்க முடியும்.

கடலின் ஆழத்தில் மறைந்திருக்கும் இரசாயன அச்சுறுத்தல்கள் என்பது ஏதோ ஒரு தூரத்து பிரச்சினை அல்ல, அவை நமது உணவுச் சங்கிலியையும், பொருளாதாரத்தையும், ஒட்டுமொத்த சூழலியலையும் நேரடியாகப் பாதிக்கக்கூடியவை. அது ஒரு தேசிய கடமை. நமது ஆழ்கடல் பொக்கிஷங்களை பாதுகாக்க நாம் தயாராகாவிட்டால், எதிர்கால சந்ததிக்கு நாம் எதை விட்டுச் செல்லப் போகிறோம்?

முகப்புப் படம்: தீ விபத்துக்குப் பின்னர், ஆழ்கடலுக்குள் இழுத்துச் செல்லப்பட்டுக் கொண்டிருந்தபோது இலங்கையின் கொழும்பு கடற்பரப்பில் MV X-Press Pearl கப்பல் மூழ்கியது. புகைப்படம்: இலங்கை விமானப்படை / Reuters

Sri Lanka’s Blue Whales and Ship Strikes

The Pearl Protectors — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:25:00 +0000

By: Amaya Wijesinghe

Imagine gliding through the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where gentle giants rise in graceful arcs. Off Sri Lanka’s southern coast near Mirissa and Galle, a unique group of blue whales calls this place home all year round. As the largest animals on Earth, they bring so much life and wonder to the ocean around Sri Lanka. They also support local communities by attracting visitors who join responsible whale watching tours. Families, nature lovers, and curious travelers from around the world get to experience the unforgettable thrill of seeing these enormous beings up close, often watching in awe as they surface and release misty blows into the tropical air. Yet this natural treasure faces a serious and growing threat: ship strikes.

Sri Lanka’s blue whales gather in nutrient-rich waters to feed on tiny krill and plankton. Unfortunately, these same feeding areas overlap with one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Hundreds of cargo vessels pass through every single day, following traffic separation schemes that cut straight across the whales’ prime feeding grounds. Have you ever wondered what happens when a massive ship meets a whale surfacing for air? The result is often tragic and fatal. Whales sometimes wash ashore with terrible propeller wounds or deep gashes along their bodies. Many more deaths happen silently out of sight beneath the waves, leaving no trace for us to see.

Tragic incidents highlight just how dangerous this situation is. Back in 2012, two blue whales were killed within days of each other. One was even found draped over a ship’s bow in Colombo harbour, a heartbreaking image that drew international attention. Researchers have recorded multiple ship-strike deaths between 2010 and 2014. While big strandings are reported less often these days, the risk has not disappeared. Shipping traffic continues to grow steadily with increasing global trade. In recent years, worrying news has emerged. Blue whale sightings have dropped sharply. In 2024, surveys in traditional hotspots recorded only a handful of individuals. That represents more than a 90 percent decline compared to earlier years. Scientists believe this worrying drop comes from several pressures working together. Ship strikes play a major role, along with underwater noise from vessels and changing ocean conditions caused by climate change. These slow-moving giants find it incredibly hard to get out of the way of fast-moving ships. Every loss hurts the population deeply. It weakens social bonds between the whales and reduces breeding success in a group that is already vulnerable. This, in turn, affects the wider marine ecosystem that depends on them.

Recent scientific studies show that ship strikes remain a significant cause of mortality for blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. Similarly, research highlights how the overlap between shipping routes and whale habitats creates persistent danger, even as awareness grows. These findings underline the urgent need for better protection.

The good news is that practical solutions are within reach. For example, shifting the shipping lanes just 15 nautical miles further south could make a huge difference in reducing collisions. Some voluntary offshore routing is already being encouraged, and more ships are following it. Slowing down in key areas would also give whales extra time to avoid danger. Sri Lanka has a real opportunity to show the world how to balance busy trade routes with strong conservation efforts. Protecting these whales does not have to come at the expense of economic growth. With smart planning and cooperation between the government, shipping industry, and conservation groups, both can thrive together.

In conclusion, the future of Sri Lanka’s blue whales depends on all of us taking action together. By learning from past incidents and facing up to today’s threats, we can give these gentle ocean ambassadors a better chance at survival. Let us support smarter maritime practices so these magnificent creatures can keep gracing our waters for many years to come. Their presence enriches the marine environment and brings joy to so many people who visit Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline. Preserving this natural wonder will benefit both wildlife and local communities for generations ahead. The time to act is now, before it is too late.
Feature Image Credits: www.anantara.com. Whale watching in tangalle.

The Tragedy of the Commons

The Pearl Protectors — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:51:00 +0000

By: Sehanthi Samarakoon

The Tragedy of the Commons describes the economic phenomenon in which individuals acting in their own self-interest overexploit a shared resource, ultimately leading to its depletion. This is particularly relevant in marine ecosystems, which represent one of the world’s major shared commons. Under difficult economic conditions fishers tend to prioritize short-term economic gain over marine conservation because of their personal aim of maximizing profit by securing the highest daily catch. When everyone operates under this short-term survival mindset of gaining higher returns daily, this collective resource may collapse. Overfishing, as described by this theory, prevents fish stocks from recovering to sustainable population levels. Harmful government subsidies for fuel, heavy gear, and fleet expansion have been recognized as primary drivers of global overfishing. To combat this crisis, the World Trade Organization (WTO) established The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) was inserted into Annex 1A. The accord aims to prohibit subsidies that facilitate illegal fishing and subsidies for fishing over the limit. Although enforcement measures have been introduced globally, their effect and implementation in a nation such as Sri Lanka remains doubtful at best.

As an island nation, Sri Lanka has long been dependent on the marine resources of the Indian Ocean, leading to the contribution of increased pressure on fisheries, but the overexploitation of these resources is driven by multiple factors that include fishing capacity, economic incentives, and fisheries management. Fish consumption per capita reached 22.7 kg in 2023, which reflects how seafood forms the backbone of the Sri Lankan diet. While high consumption alone does not cause depletion, combining rapid population growth with an open-access fishery creates a dangerous market dynamic. When high market demand drives prices up, overfishing becomes even more lucrative in the short term, trapping local communities in a vicious cycle. The availability of destructive fishing gear in the market for low prices has exacerbated this issue, leading to fishing practices that not only facilitate overfishing but also destroy the surrounding ecosystem. Overfishing is not limited to saltwater ecosystems; freshwater species are also threatened. Among those affected are several species endemic to Sri Lanka, including the Green Labeo (Mountain Labeo) and Cherry Barb, which are struggling to survive in their threatened natural habitats.

Overfishing directly threatens marine biodiversity, disrupting the marine food web and pushing vulnerable species toward localized extinction. Highly damaging fishing methods and gear, such as dynamite, and bottom trawling, act as underwater bulldozers. They do not merely catch targeted fish; they cause significant physical damage to the marine habitats. These practices do not merely remove targeted fish; they can also damage coral reefs and seagrass beds, which provide important nursery habitats for marine species. Such habitat degradation can further undermine the recovery of fish populations and exacerbate the effects of overfishing. Furthermore, the Tragedy of the Commons is exacerbated when law enforcement fails. Major loopholes exist in Sri Lankan laws, such as the Regulation of Foreign Fishing Boats Act No. 59 of 1979, which does not clearly specify prohibited fishing gear and methods. In addition, there seems to be no specific penalty system for the use of the prohibited gear. This raises concerns towards urgent reformation of the existing laws for sustainable fisheries in Sri Lanka. Without explicit, updated prohibitions and penalties that outweigh the potential profits of illegal catches, the law remains ineffective. The country needs to act fast to protect the ocean resources, no longer as an ideal but as a necessity for the island’s long-term food security and economic stability. Only by shifting focus from short-term exploitation and economic gains to long-term sustainability and stability can the nation ensure that its seas continue to provide for generations to come.
Feature Image: Busy Negambo Harbour – second largest fish market in Sri Lanka

Turtle Hatchery Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka: Conservation Effort or Exploitation for Profit?

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:31:41 +0000

By: Moira Alfred

Sri Lanka is an internationally prominent nesting ecosystem for sea turtles. Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, namely the Green, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley, reside within the warm waters of Sri Lanka. Although all 05 species are legally preserved, egg poaching and consumption have repeatedly devastated existing nesting populations along the island’s southwestern and southern coastal regions. Turtle hatcheries materialized as the leading solution to this hazard, although later progressed into something more commercially problematic than basic preservation. Scientific literature mirrors profound opacity regarding whether hatchery commerce genuinely protects turtles or selfishly profits from these miraculous creatures.

The hatchery models consist of a vast institutional history. The first hatchery was established in the year 1956 as a conservation measure to mitigate the impacts of sea turtle meat and egg exploitation, and the second establishment followed in the year 1969. Despite the ban on the collection of sea turtle eggs in 1972, existing hatcheries continued to operate, leading new hatcheries to open illegally. The constant instability in the count of hatchery establishments throughout the years indicates that the conservation sector is driven more by commercial purposes than by actual conservation logic.

The profit motive is evidently not incidental. Its intentions are evident in a 2013 survey conducted across the seven hatcheries operating on the southwestern coast, published in the Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter. It presents its findings that all the hatcheries were privately owned and that the primary motive was profiting from ecotourism mechanisms. During the 1990s, hatcheries only operated during the tourism season, but a growing trend depicts their operations throughout the year. The most common practice was to purchase turtle eggs from consistent collectors for 25.00 – 50.00 rupees (0.07 to 0.12 USD), even during off seasons. This may have been beneficial for the magnificent species, since purchasing eggs from collectors has directly lowered the level of turtle egg consumption. However, purchasing eggs directly from suppliers has established a market value for the eggs, creating an economic incentive that stimulated poaching activities rather than suppressing them.

The scale of egg collection has grown to be a vastly substantial activity. An estimate of 300,000 eggs are relocated annually within the district of Galle alone. A survey conducted in 2013 presents findings that none of the existing hatcheries follow best practice guidelines, which require at least 90% of the hatchlings to have immediate crawling access to the sea to promote natural imprinting and that hatchlings must not be contained to tanks prior to their release. Instead, all seven existing hatcheries engaged in “head-starting”, restricting hatchlings in tanks for tourist interactions. This is a practice with no demonstrated conservation benefits and documented welfare costs.

A follow-up survey of 11 hatcheries, also published in “The Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter (IOTN)” written by Andrea D. Phillott, Santhushya Hewapathiranage, and Rupika S. Rajakaruna, established that these problems persisted and, in some respects, even worsened. Concerns included unregulated nest density of up to three nests per square meter, with only one hatchery maintaining the recommended spacing between nests, and the uncertainty in self-reported hatching success figures that made it difficult to assess resource management practices and their actual impact on hatchling production.

Scientific criticism of the hatchery industry extends beyond operational practices. The gender of sea turtles is determined by incubation temperatures. Hatcheries that fail to provide these expected conditions result in skewed gender ratios among the species. Nests located closer than regulated conditions generate sufficient metabolic heat, raising the overall temperature of the habitats and potentially producing unnatural proportions of females, which is fatally detrimental to the existing numbers of the species. The consequences of any demographic distortion will not be visually evident until at least a decade. Furthermore, moving eggs reduces hatching success rates from 90% in natural nests to rates between 50% to 70% in artificial hatcheries.

The survey carried out in 2013 stressed the fact that none of the hatcheries were involved in collaborative research, nor did they provide visitor education contributing to sea turtle conservation. This sense of research disengagement is damaging to any claim of conservation, as hatcheries could, in principle, contribute profoundly to monitoring population data if overseen with scientific and ethical intent.

Sri Lanka’s turtle hatchery industry does contain a few genuine conservation operations alongside commercially driven enterprises that use conservation as a manipulation tactic to attract tourists. Without mandatory licensing, independent inspection, enforced adherence to regulations, and requirements for scientific data collection, this sector will continue to perish and exploit the remaining numbers of these magnificent creatures. The window for meaningful action is narrowing, and inaction is not a negligible responsibility. It is a choice to let extinction proceed.
Feature Image Credits: www.thrillophilia.com

Feared but harmless: The gentle manta rays of Sri Lankan waters

The Pearl Protectors — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:59:00 +0000

By: Amaya Wijesinghe

Sri Lanka is renowned for its blue whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, yet another remarkable giant quietly inhabits its surrounding seas, the manta ray. Despite its impressive size, this graceful creature remains one of the country’s least understood marine species.

For generations, Sri Lankans have used the phrase “madu waligen gahanna” (to be struck by a manta ray’s tail) to describe severe punishment or misfortune. Such expressions have contributed to the belief that manta rays are dangerous animals. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Manta rays are among the gentlest creatures in the ocean. They are harmless to humans, lacking both the venomous sting and aggressive behaviour commonly associated with some other ray species. Instead, they glide gracefully through the water, feeding almost exclusively on tiny plankton and small fish.

With wingspans reaching up to seven metres, manta rays are among the largest rays in the world. Their distinctive diamond-shaped bodies and wing-like pectoral fins allow them to move effortlessly through the sea. Highly intelligent and curious, they are known to interact peacefully with divers and are often considered one of the most captivating marine animals to encounter underwater.

Sri Lanka’s waters form part of the biologically rich northern Indian Ocean, making them an important habitat for both the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) and the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi). These highly migratory species travel vast distances in search of plankton-rich feeding grounds, cleaning stations where smaller fish remove parasites, and suitable breeding areas.

The country’s seasonal monsoons play a crucial role in attracting these gentle giants. Ocean currents generated by the monsoon bring nutrient rich waters to the surface, triggering plankton blooms that provide an abundant food source for manta rays. As a result, sightings are regularly reported around Mirissa, Trincomalee, Kalpitiya, and other offshore locations, particularly during favourable seasons. Lucky divers and whale watchers may even witness manta rays leaping spectacularly from the water or feeding in groups near the surface.

Despite these regular sightings, surprisingly little is known about manta ray populations in Sri Lankan waters. While whales have been the focus of extensive research and monitoring, manta rays remain relatively understudied. Scientists believe Sri Lanka may serve as an important migration corridor connecting manta populations across the Indian Ocean, but further research is needed to confirm these movements through satellite tracking, photo-identification, and genetic studies.

Understanding these migration routes is vital for conservation. Manta rays face growing threats from accidental capture in fishing gear, collisions with vessels, plastic pollution, and the degradation of coastal habitats. Their slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive rate mean populations recover very slowly once they decline, making them particularly vulnerable to human activities.

Protecting important feeding grounds and migration routes could help safeguard these remarkable animals. Strengthening marine protected areas, promoting responsible fishing practices, supporting scientific research, and raising public awareness are all essential steps towards ensuring their survival.

As an island nation surrounded by one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, Sri Lanka has both an opportunity and a responsibility to protect species like the manta ray. By improving research and conservation efforts, the country can play a significant role in safeguarding these gentle ocean giants while preserving the health and biodiversity of the Indian Ocean for generations to come.
Feature Image Credits: blog.padi.com

The Gardens Under the Sea: How Simple Grass Could Save Sri Lanka’s Fishermen and Fight Climate Change

The Pearl Protectors — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 20:27:00 +0000

By: Rukmi Peiris

A Hidden World

Sail just a few meters away from the coast of Sri Lanka, and the blue water below looks deep, ordinary and empty. But beneath that surface, there is something that worth our attention. It is neither full of different colors nor build of corals. It is seagrass meadows or the ‘Gardens Under the Sea’, green, gentle, swaying with the ocean currents like grass in a field dancing in the wind. And it may be one of the most important treasures in the sea that we have largely ignored.

What is Seagrass?

Seagrass is heralded as the only flowering plant capable of growing in saltwater, complete with roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers. Even though thrive beneath the waves, it functions much like the grass in our gardens. Seagrasses are also known as the “Lungs of the Sea” due to its ability to produce up to 10 liters of oxygen per square meter each day through photosynthesis.

For years, seagrass has flourished along Sri Lanka’s coastline silently. Marine species rely on it; some make it their shelter while some make it their food source. Fish hides among its leaves, turtles graze on it. Yet most of us do not properly aware about its’ existence. Now, scientists are turning their attention to these meadows and their findings are remarkably.

A Nursery for Fish

Imaging a bustling city without any buildings or homes, where all the people wander openly, expose to danger. That is what the ocean would be like without seagrass. Baby fish, prawns, crabs, even juvenile sharks need places to hide from predators. They need food while they seek cover. Seagrass fields can provide them all. When these young creatures grow, they swim out to the sea and eventually return to the nets of fishermen. Without sea grass, there would be fewer fish, fewer options for fishers, and ultimately, lower incomes. So, naturally, seagrass is not just a grass, but a nursery that helps fill our dinner plates.

The Climate Hero You Never Heard Of

We are all familiar with the concept of “Plant a tree. Save the planet.” That holds true, but seagrass does something even greater. Despite covering only about 0.2% of the ocean floor, seagrass captures carbon; the primary drive of global warming, at a rate over 30 times faster than a rainforest. Yes, a forest beneath the sea works harder than a forest on land.

Moreover, unlike trees, seagrass stores that carbon deep in the sediment, locking it away for centuries. It accounts that approximately 10% of the carbon buried in ocean sediment annually. Scientists call this trapped carbon as “Blue carbon”. Along the coastline of Sri Lanka, vast quantities of these heroes are quietly at work.

What Is Happening to the Meadows?

It is estimated that nearly 29% of the world’s seagrass has been lost since the 1880s. In Sri Lanka, the current rate of decline is estimated at 1-2% per year. For example, the seagrasses ecosystems in the northern, eastern and western parts of the Negombo Lagoon declined by an estimated 96% between 1997 and 2004.

Recent studies indicate that this downward trend is accelerating largely, due to human activities such as boats dredging for prawn farms and the disposal of urban waste into the ocean water. Some of these activities even block sunlight from reaching the sea bed, hindering photosynthesis and threatening the survival of seagrass.

The consequences are twofold. First, fish population will gradually decrease, leaving fishermen with smaller catches and low incomes. Second, all the stored blue carbon will escape back into the atmosphere, turning the former ally against climate change into a contributor to the very problem it once helped mitigate.

A New Idea : Paying to Protect

There is an idea that is not new to the world, but relatively new to Sri Lanka. It is Blue Carbon Credits. Under this model, companies pay local communities to protect seagrass meadows, offsetting the environmental damage they are cause. As a result, seagrass habitat will be preserved, carbon will be captured, companies will meet their sustainability goals and local community will receive compensation for safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

In Sri Lanka, researchers are already mapping the seagrass along the coast, counting fish and measuring carbon stocks, while engaging with fishing communities. There were previous projects, particularly focused on mangroves. However, they were put on hold due to a lack of clear authorization processes, benefit sharing agreements and regulatory frameworks surrounding carbon rights. If these challenges can be overcome, a coastal village might earn a tangible income simply by protecting the seagrass in their area, rather than destroying it.

What We Can Do?

We do not have to be a scientist to make a difference. Simply search, read and share this story. The Garden Under the Sea have been silently protecting us for so long; now it is our turn to protect them. The survival of seagrass means the survival of marine life, and along with it, the livelihood of fishermen. And our Pearl Island will breathe a little easier.

Feature Image Credits: https://news.mongabay.com/ – A healthy seagrass meadow in northern Sri Lanka.

What About Us? The Ocean’s Silent Cry in Times of War

The Pearl Protectors — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:44:00 +0000

By: Saduni Rukshala

Wars are often remembered for the lives lost, destruction of nations and economic damage they leave behind. Yet beneath the surface of the ocean, other victims, without a voice, suffer silently, often overlooked in the aftermath of human conflicts. Marine ecosystems continue to become invisible casualties of modern warfare. From oil spills and underwater explosions to chemical contamination and noise pollution, conflict leaves long-lasting scars on oceans that can take decades to recover.

One of the most extreme examples of human impact on marine environments is underwater nuclear testing conducted during the Cold War (1945 – 1991). These tests, carried out primarily by the United States and the Soviet Union, were later restricted under the Partial Test Ban Treaty, but not before causing lasting damage beneath the ocean’s surface. The detonation of nuclear devices underwater generates intense shockwaves and radiation, resulting in immediate and widespread destruction of marine life. Fish, marine mammals and other organisms within the blast radius are often killed instantly due to extreme pressure and heat. Coral reefs and other critical habitats are highly vulnerable, leading to long-term disruption of ecosystems that depend on them for shelter, breeding and food. Radioactive materials released into the ocean are carried by currents, spreading contamination across vast areas. These substances can enter marine food chains, accumulating in organisms from plankton to larger fish and eventually reaching humans through seafood consumption. Over time, this can result in genetic mutations, reproductive issues and long-term declines in biodiversity, with lasting effects on marine ecosystems.

Another severe example of war-driven marine destruction occurred during the Gulf War (1990–1991). As Iraqi forces retreated from Kuwait, an estimated 6 to 8 million barrels of oil were intentionally discharged into the Persian Gulf, creating one of the largest oil spills in history. Thick layers of oil spread across coastal waters, smothering coral reefs and salt-tolerant mangrove ecosystems along the shoreline. These mangroves, unlike the dense tropical forests seen in Sri Lanka, are adapted to survive in extreme salinity and heat. Yet, they quietly stand as vital breeding and nursery grounds for marine life in an otherwise harsh environment. Fisheries and turtle nesting grounds were also severely affected. Marine life, already vulnerable, was forced to struggle for survival as toxic substances stripped oxygen from the water and poisoned the food chains on which they depend on. Even years later, the sea carries the memory of this destruction, with traces of damage lingering in coastal sediments and fragile marine habitats.

Modern military activity in the Black and Azov Seas as part of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War (2022–present) continues to threaten already struggling marine ecosystems affected by pollution and ecological stress. Coastal reserves, seagrass meadows, lagoons, and protected marine habitats have faced destruction due to shelling, fires, naval activity, and military infrastructure. Scientists have also reported mass dolphin deaths along the coasts of Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania, with concerns that continuous underwater explosions and military sonar may be disrupting marine mammals’ hearing, navigation, and communication systems. Damage to ports, sewage facilities, and industrial infrastructure has further increased the risk of toxic pollution entering the sea. Unlike destruction on land, the full environmental consequences beneath the water remain difficult to measure, leaving much of the damage unseen and untreated by the world.

Recent tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz further highlight the environmental risks associated with conflict in strategic maritime regions. The strait, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, carries a significant portion of global energy trade between the Persian Gulf and the open ocean. Although diplomatic efforts have helped ease hostilities, the situation remains fragile, with ongoing tensions continuing to threaten the region’s marine environment. The strait is home to coral reefs, seagrass beds, sea turtles, dugongs and the rare Arabian humpback whale. Increased military activity and heavy tanker traffic place additional pressure on these already sensitive environments, where even a single accident can disrupt entire food chains.

Dugongs depend entirely on shallow seagrass habitats for survival and are highly sensitive to habitat loss and disturbance. Whales and dolphins in the region also rely heavily on sound for communication and navigation, making them particularly vulnerable to underwater noise from vessels and military activity. Even small changes in their environment can affect feeding, migration and breeding patterns, showing how fragile marine life becomes in areas of strategic conflict. Even though these threats are usually linked to faraway maritime routes, the oceans are all connected. Issues that begin in one region can travel across waters. This was seen in more recent events closer to home.

In March this year, approximately 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine while operating in the region. The sinking occurred relatively close to Sri Lanka’s maritime zone, urging monitoring and response efforts from local authorities and regional partners. In the days that followed, reports of oil patches, floating debris and possible fuel leakage raised concerns along sections of the southern coast, including areas such as Hikkaduwa, which is well known for coral reefs, fisheries and tourism. Although the full environmental impact remains unclear, the incident highlighted how quickly distant geopolitical tensions can translate into potential risks for Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.

Across different regions and conflicts, a clear pattern emerges: the oceans bear the consequences of war in ways that are often invisible at first glance. From oil-covered coastlines to disturbed marine ecosystems in strategic waterways, the sea becomes a silent record of human conflict. Unlike destruction on land, these impacts unfold slowly beneath the surface, often going unnoticed by the wider world. In these waters, marine life continues to struggle without recognition, reminding us that the cost of war extends far beyond human boundaries.

This lack of visibility reflects a broader pattern in what tends to receive attention in the information that is consumed, especially in times of crisis. Human loss, buildings, and political outcomes often dominate focus, while the impact on marine ecosystems and wildlife remains in the background. As a result, much of the damage beneath the surface, in oceans and across nature, continues to go unnoticed even when it is severe and long-lasting.
Feature Image Credits: https://www.nbcnews.com/ – A Russian soldier plays with a bottlenose dolphin at the dolphinarium in Kherson, Ukraine, on May 4.

The Coral Kingdom Next Door: Why a Distant Triangle Matters to Sri Lanka

The Pearl Protectors — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 20:51:00 +0000

By: Rukmi Peiris

Coral Triangle Day is celebrated in June around the world. But you may be wondering why this day matters to us when the Coral Triangle is located far from Sri Lanka. The Coral Triangle refers to a vast marine region in the Indo-Pacific, covering Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.

Imagine a busy, colorful, crowded big city beneath the wave. This is what the Coral Triangle looks like, covering approximately 2.3 million square miles (6 million square kilometers) of the ocean. Filled with extraordinary biodiversity, it is home to over 600 coral species, around 2,200 fish species and 6 out of 7 sea turtle species. It is often referred to as ‘the Amazon Rainforest of the sea’. This region supports the livelihoods of over 120 million people, both economically and ecologically. However, this marine habitat also faces significant threats from climate change and human activities, including pollution, destructive fishing practices, and overfishing, all of which are harmful to ocean resources.

But why should we care? Because the ocean does not have boundaries. Whether fish migrate or ocean currents circulate, everything is interconnected across the world’s seas. Although Sri Lanka lies outside the Coral Triangle, the oceans link us to this extraordinary marine ecosystem. Ultimately, the health of that distant Triangle is closely tied to the health of our own shores. Remember, in Sri Lanka we also have our very own underwater treasures that deserve the same attention and care, even if they are not as large as the Coral Triangle.

Whether in the Coral Triangle or around Sri Lanka, coral reefs face many of the same challenges. Coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures is one of these issues. In the years 1998 and 2016, El Niño events caused severe coral bleaching around Sri Lanka. And the Coral Triangle faces it quite frequently. Another major threat is plastic pollution. Releasing plastic waste into the marine environment smothers corals and other organisms, disrupting their activities. This can block sunlight from reaching marine organisms and interfere with photosynthesis and other metabolic activities. In some places, fishermen use explosives or cyanide to catch fish. However, these harmful practices damage not only fish populations but also coral reefs for decades. Beyond these, tourism can also negatively impact coral reefs. Even well-meaning people can accidentally break corals. One careless step can destroy a living structure that took decades to grow.

However, the positive news is that Sri Lankan scientists are monitoring our corals closely. Places such as the Hikkaduwa Coral Garden Sanctuary are protected with the support of nearby hotels and local communities. Many fishers are adopting more sustainable fishing practices. They avoid sensitive reef areas and refrain from using gear that damages the seabed. Illegal activities are being reported. Young Sri Lankans are volunteering to do cleanup dives. They remove abandoned fishing gear, including ghost nets, it and hand it over to recycling facilities.

So, what does Coral Triangle Day remind us of ? If we go for a swim or a snorkel near corals, let’s make sure to keep our distance. Let’s not take corals home as a souvenir or stand on coral reefs. Just observe and leave them undisturbed. If we are using sunscreen, let’s use mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc or titanium instead of chemicals that are harmful to corals. Let’s learn about sustainable seafood choices and the important roles different fish species play in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems. Make sure to spread the word about why the Coral Triangle matters.

The world has already lost 30-50% of coral cover, and alarming 75%-77% of coral reefs have been affected by bleaching level heat stress, pollution, overfishing and other human-driven activities. However, many coral reefs persist because they are resilient ecosystems. Corals are tough. They have survived many crises over millions of years, whether it was storms, volcanic activities or ice ages. If we protect them and give them the opportunity to recover, coral reefs can regenerate over time. They may not return exactly to their previous state, but recovery is still possible.

The Coral Triangle Day is not just for the people of Indonesia, the Philippines or the Solomon Islands. It is for all the people who love and care for the ocean. The Coral Triangle may be far away, but its health matters far beyond its borders. Protecting corals anywhere means protecting their future and the health of coastlines worldwide, including our own.

Feature Image Credit: divevolkdiving.com

Sea Sand Dredging and Coastal Erosion: Who Is Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Disappearing Beaches

The Pearl Protectors — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:33:53 +0000

By: Moira Alfred

Sri Lanka has a coastline of approximately 1600 kilometers where about one-third of Sri Lanka’s population lives. As of late, natural and man-made phenomena have heightened coastal erosion, causing danger and environmental degradation along many coastlines. Recent studies indicate that approximately 62.6% of the shoreline experienced significant erosion, while 36.9% witnessed gradual accretion. The beaches are disappearing and the culprits are not hard to identify.

Sand mining stands at the center of the crisis. The Colombo International Financial City, commonly known as the Colombo Port City, built on 269 hectares of land reclaimed from the sea in 2016, utilized 65 million cubic meters of sand. Sand was dredged from about 3 to 4 kilometers offshore, creating a sedimentation vacuum on the sea bottom that needs to be filled over time by sediment or sand moving into that area. This causes sand that should replenish the beaches to instead fill the dredged vacuum, leading to beach sand depletion. The result is visible along Colombo’s beaches, Mount Lavinia and stretches south to Panadura, where residents have watched the shoreline retreat year after year.

Residents in areas like the Negombo-Pitipana coastal belt in Morawala, Udappuwa in Puttalam, Calido Beach in Kalutara and the coastal belt in Mount Lavinia, Dehiwala and Ratmalana have been left unsafe and destitute after their houses and properties were washed away by the sea. The loss is not just environmental. Tourism, a pillar of the national economy, depends on pristine beaches. As the sand disappears, so does the economic foundation of coastal communities.

River sand mining adds another layer of destruction. River sand mining has been an illegal money-spinning business filling the pockets of politicians and many other stakeholders in related industries. Rivers like the Maha Oya and Deduru Oya have been exploited for decades to meet construction demand. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau issues permit that specify extraction limits, but enforcement is weak and illegal mining is rampant. When transport permits were suspended by a previous government, control evaporated entirely. Trucks moved sand without restriction, roads deteriorated underweight, and nobody tracked how much was being taken or from where.

The mechanisms are well understood. Sand moves along the coast through longshore drift, a natural process governed by waves and currents. When sand is extracted offshore or rivers are dammed or mined, the supply chain breaks. Beaches depend on constant replenishment from rivers and offshore sources. Remove the supply and erosion accelerates. Beach nourishment projects at Port City and Mount Lavinia, where sand was dredged from Angulana, along with other coastal constructions requiring sand, have contributed to erosion. Efforts to restore one beach often degrade to another.

Regulation exists but lacks teeth. The Coast Conservation Department permits offshore mining only if conducted 3 kilometers offshore and from depths exceeding 15 meters. In practice, monitoring is inadequate and violations go unpunished. The economic incentives are too strong. Construction booms, port expansions and land reclamation projects create insatiable demand for sand. Legal and illegal operators meet that demand with little regard for long-term consequences.

Certain areas including Vankalai, Naruvilikulam and Kondachchikudah were identified as high-risk zones prone to erosion, with maximum erosion rates reaching 4.7 to 5.3 meters per year. In some villages, up to 10 meters of land is lost annually. Fishermen lose access to launching sites. Hotels watch the sea advance toward their foundations. Families abandon homes that stood for generations.

Efforts to address coastal erosion have focused on hard engineering solutions like breakwaters and seawalls, which often shift erosion elsewhere rather than solving it. The first beach nourishment project in Sri Lanka was carried out in 2012 over a 1.8-kilometer stretch in the Uswetakeiyawa area by the Coast Conservation Department. About 300,000 cubic meters of offshore sand in the Indian Ocean was pumped using a dredging vessel for the nourishment. Three breakwaters were constructed afterward. The results have been mixed. Sand accretes in some areas and erodes in others, and the fundamental problem of sand supply deficit remains unresolved.

The political will to confront sand mining interests is absent. Too many people profit from the status quo. Politicians receive contributions, contractors win lucrative contracts and enforcement officials look the other way. Meanwhile, the coastline shrinks, beaches vanish and coastal communities pay the price. This is not a crisis of knowledge. Science is clear. This is a crisis of governance, economic priorities and the willingness to regulate an industry that operates with near impunity. The beaches are disappearing and everyone knows why.

Feature Image Credits : thehindu.com