Hambantota Port’s marine biodiversity hotspot
View(s):Using a standardised swim-timed transect method, covering areas of 5 by 20 metres at depths between 0.5 and 5 metres, researchers catalogued observed visual counts of fish by family and feeding behaviour. While Weligama and Polhena showed respectable biodiversity (with Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index scores of 1.8 and 1.6, respectively), they lagged behind HIP in both species richness and ecological balance. Thalaramba, once a promising site, recorded the lowest diversity (1.1).
Fish and corrals
HIP’s remarkable fish diversity at 2.3 on the SWD index isn’t accidental, it’s sustained by a natural ecological balance rarely seen in similar coastal areas. A healthy population of herbivorous fish, such as surgeonfish and damselfish, play a vital role in this balance by feeding on fast-growing algae that can otherwise smother corals. Their presence allows coral species to thrive and recover naturally.
“Algal domination is a serious concern globally, as it can suffocate coral reefs and trigger irreversible ecosystem shifts,” explained Marine Scientist, Dr. M.F.M. Fairoz, who is leading the study. “But at HIP, we’re seeing the opposite, a reversal of that trend, thanks to abundant herbivores fish species that keep the reef clean, balanced, and productive.”
This natural “cleaning service” helps coral colonies regenerate, increasing the reef’s structural complexity and resilience. Unlike other reefs in the region, many of which suffer from ornamental fish harvesting and nutrient runoff, HIP benefits from a unique combination of factors: minimal human disturbance, low pollution levels, a complex artificial reef structure, and open ocean connectivity that ensures healthy water flow.
These ideal conditions have created a productive food web that supports everything from small ornamental species to larger commercial fish. Over 8 species were found unique to the Hambantota Internal Port bay, including the Blue Green Chromis (Chromis viridis), Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus), and economically important species such as trevallies and emperors were also present, along with lobsters, highlighting the reef’s role in supporting both biodiversity and fisheries.
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