Revista de biodiversidad y especies en peligro de extinción

Assessment the Present Status of Batticaloa Lagoon, Sri Lanka by means of Water Quality, Fish Diversity Indices and Pollution Indicating Planktons

Abstract

Jalaldeen Mohamed Harris and Periyathamby Vinobaba

Abiotic and biotic variables of coastal lagoons are highly heterogeneous in both space and time, and this heterogeneity complicates the assessment of lagoon ecological status. These variables are essential for monitoring and preserving of these fragile ecosystems and the resources and services they sustain. This study was designed to assess the effect of lagoon water quality on changes in fish abundance. In situ measurements of chemical and physical parameters of the Batticaloa lagoons were measured fortnightly by using a calibrated portable Hanna instruments over the different seasons from March 2012 to February 2013. Fish diversity indices for the main commercial species were calculated. Fish composition varied greatly according to the study site and the seasonal trends. Results reveal that
the existing conditions, such as salinity dissolved oxygen, nitrate and pH had a strong effect on the fish community in the lagoon. The present study is commissioned to assess the seasonal variation and the status of the lagoon to make informed plans for the fishery of the lagoon patients to reap it successfully and sustainably.