Hikkaduwa National Park

Location: 60 8’ 42 N and 800 5’ 33 E to 60 7’ 39 N and 800 6’ 0 E; 678030 N and 398574 E to 676185 N and 400415 E; along the coast of Hikkaduwa, in the Galle District, of the Southern Province.

Area: National Park area is 104 ha

Altitude: Sea level to a depth of around 5m

Overview: Hikkaduwa is Sri Lanka’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) and encompasses a coastline of approximately 1.35 km between the southern breakwater of the Hikkaduwa fisheries harbour and rocky islets near the Coral Gardens Hotel. The fringing reef at Hikkaduwa is a typical representation of shallow fringing reef systems along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The reef is relatively small but contains high biodiversity and has been of conservation interest since the 1960’s due to its location in the vicinity of one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1979 and later a National Park in 2002. At present the reef is highly degraded due to both natural and anthropogenic impacts.

Physical features: The Hikkaduwa reef has a shallow reef crest enclosing a shallow reef lagoon on the leeward side. The lagoon has a depth of 0.5-1.5m and is dominated by stands of live and dead coral interspaced by sand. The seaward side of the reef crest has an outer reef slope composed primarily of limestone and some live coral. The Hikkaduwa Ganga and several small canals open out to the sea near the reef. Sediment transport along the coastline is predominantly northwards. Hikkaduwa is located in the south western wet zone and receives an annual rainfall of over 2,000 mm. Mean average temperature is around 270 C. The area is influenced by the southwest monsoon, which results in rough seas and strong winds and currents from May to October. This also increases the turbidity of the water, both due to freshwater input and resuspension of bottom sediments.

Ecological features: The reef is dominated by foliaceous species of Montipora, while encrusting, massive and branching species are also present. The inshore areas of the reef contain several large colonies of massive corals belonging to the families Faviidae and Poritidae. There is relatively high diversity of corals with 60 species belonging to 31 genera being recorded from the reef. Over 170 species of reef fish belonging to 76 genera have also been recorded. The 1998 coral bleaching event resulted in a decrease in live coral cover, which is currently around 13%. Prior to bleaching, the reef had a live coral cover of 47% dominated by branching and foliaceous species.

Noteworthy fauna: The coral species Porites desilveri is restricted to Sri Lanka. Among the reef fish, Chlorurus rhakoura and Pomacentrus proteus are also restricted to coral reefs in Sri Lanka. Sharks such as Carcharhinus melanopterus are regularly found along the outer reef slope, while many species of fish of commercial importance are found within the reef lagoon. Three species of globally endangered marine turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata, Chelonia mydas, Lepidochelys olivacea) visit the reef.

Noteworthy flora: Marine algae such as Halimeda sp. and Padina sp.

Land use: The beach is a very popular tourist area with activities such as snorkelling, swimming and coral viewing through glass bottom boats occurring frequently. The reef lagoon was used for the anchoring of fishing boats, but this has been discontinued with the development of the fishery harbour.

Possible changes in land use: The degradation of the reef due to human impacts and coral bleaching has reduced its appeal for tourists, and it is possible that the use of the reef for recreational purposes such as coral viewing may decrease. Increased sedimentation has resulted in filling of the reef lagoon with sand and accretion of the beach leading to smothering of corals and reduction of the reef area.

Hydrological and biophysical values: The Hikkaduwa area contains a complex of coastal ecosystems including marine habitats, beaches and low-lying wetlands, while a few rocky islets are located off the coast. Coral reefs such as Hikkaduwa are extremely important in shoreline protection and assist in dissipating wave energy during the monsoon season and storms. The reef also influences the current patterns and water movement along the coastline. Due to its protected status, the reef is an important refuge for many commercially important fish species, especially those collected for the ornamental fish trade.

Social and cultural values: Tourism is the main livelihood of the community, many of whom operate hotels, restaurants, shops, diving centres and glass bottom boats. The beach and reef lagoon are extremely popular with locals and tourists.

Scientific research and monitoring: The Hikkaduwa coral reef is one of the most studied marine ecosystems in Sri Lanka. Scientists and naturalists have studied the reef since the 1960’s, with comprehensive studies being undertaken in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Since the 1990’s it has been a site for long-term monitoring carried out by NARA with support from the GCRMN and CORDIO. Several universities have also conducted research programs within the reef.

Conservation education: Numerous education programmes have been conducted for the hotel and glass bottom boat operators dependant on the reef, as well as for local school children. SAM process has attempted to facilitate greater community participation in decision-making and management.

Recreation and tourism: Tourism is highly developed with many hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and shops situated in the surrounding areas. The coral reef has traditionally been a major attraction, although interest has declined 82 with the degradation of the reef. Apart from glass bottom boats, numerous dive shops offer SCUBA diving opportunities for tourists.

Conservation measures taken: In 1961, the reef was declared as a Fisheries Protected Area under the Fisheries Ordinance to halt indiscriminate fishing. Subsequently, the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary was created in 1979 under the FFPO covering an area of 44.5 ha. In 1998 it was declared as a Nature Reserve and the protected area extended to 104 ha, following which it was upgraded to the status of a National Park in 2002. Hikkaduwa was also one of the pilot sites for implementing SAM planning by the CCD from 1992 - 1996. This process has been re-initiated under the ADB funded CRMP project in 2002. Dive operators, NGOs, local CBOs and volunteer groups have organized numerous beach and reef clean-ups. Post tsunami clean-ups to remove debris were organized by IUCN, SLSAC and NARA.

Conservation measures proposed: The SAM Plan for Hikkaduwa has identified several management needs such as the demarcation of MPA boundaries, establishment of signs declaring protected area and status, multiple use zoning, measures to reduce pollution, and restriction of the number of glass bottom boats.

Disturbance and threats: High sedimentation, physical damage to corals from glass bottom boats, pollution and uncontrolled tourism are degrading the reef ecosystem and decreasing water quality. The reef was also severely degraded by coral bleaching due to increased water temperatures during an El Niño event in 1998. The invasion of dead coral by algae, particularly Halimeda, could reduce the surface area available for new coral recruitment. Moderate to high mechanical damage to corals and smothering by sediment was also observed subsequent to the 2004 Tsunami. Need urgent actions to mitigate existing threats.

Land tenure: State owned

Management authority and jurisdication: DWC

References: CEA/ARCADIS Euroconsult (1999); De Silva (1985); HSAMMSCC (1996); Nakatani et al. (1994); Rajasuriya (1997); Rajasuriya (2005); Rajasuriya et al. (1995);