Algal Dominance and Impacts of Tourism on Coral Reefs in Casurina Beach, Karainagar Island, Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Coral reefs at Casurina beach in the Karainagar Island of Jaffna peninsula, Sri Lanka are among the most heavily explored destinations for coastal tourism. We investigated the impact of algal overrunning and tourism on coral reefs over the last eight years. Coral reefs in Casurina beach are largely used by native fishermen for artisanal fishing, sea cucumber collection and for tourism. Baseline survey results indicated a vast competition and phase shift of corals to algal state. At present 52% of the coral reef area is covered with fleshy macroalgae and dead coral, which are more than one year old, and covered by turf or encrusting coralline algae. Increased number of tourist visits and boating act as chronic anthropogenic disturbances causing loss of coral cover, increased algal growth and degradation of ecosystem services in coral reefs.