COLOMBO, July 18 (Xinhua) -- A recent coral reef study conducted at Hambantota International Port's (HIP) breakwater by the Ocean University of Sri Lanka (OCUSL) has revealed that around 35 percent of the observed coral coverage in the area is live, positioning HIP as one of the most vibrant artificial reef systems in Sri Lanka, HIP Group (HIPG) said on a press statement on Thursday.
The OCUSL team explored the port's semi-artificial reef system, which has developed within a high-security, low-disturbance zone and this unique setting has allowed coral larvae to successfully settle and grow on the breakwater's stable substrate, HIPG said.
Fairoz, a marine scientist and senior lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Ocean Science at OUSL, who led the study, said the reef is protected from many of the stressors in natural coastal areas, and a 35 percent live coral cover is a remarkable indicator of the ecosystem's resilience and health.
This finding is particularly significant when compared to other coral reef sites in Sri Lanka, many of which have seen live coral coverage drop below 20 percent due to water pollution, fishing pressure, coastal development and climate change, HIPG said.
HIPG said the breakwater reef at HIP is now the second major coral reef protection initiative in the country, following the one at Port City Colombo. At HIP breakwater reef, researchers recorded several species of hard and soft corals, sponges, and over 20 species of reef-associated fish.
The study aligns closely with the HIPG's broader ESG strategy, integrating biodiversity protection into its operational DNA. HIP's approach integrates scientific research directly into its long-term sustainability agenda. This commitment supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, HIPG said. ■
