Despite the current status of Hikkaduwa as a coral sanctuary, years of fishing boat damage and the burning of coral for lime has taken its toll, particularly close to shore. In an attempt to help the coral within the lagoon regain its former glory, the International Diving School, with the help of Professor Ekaratne of Colombo University, has begun a coral restoration project. Using his years of experience in underwater construction Somey and his team created an artificial reef from specially made concrete blocks and ‘planted’ them with coral harvested from distant sites out of reach of the coral vandals.
This reef was anchored within the area now protected as a coral sanctuary, a few hundred meters off-shore, and left to develop. Three years later the result is a thriving reef where before there was only smashed coral. Somey now hopes to get permission to expand his project further but local bureaucracy makes this a considerable challenge, despite the obvious benefits for the marine environment.
Somey and his team are always happy to talk about their project and will gladly show you the prototype reef, which is within snorkeling distance of the International Diving School. When you visit please support them by signing the petition requesting government permission to continue their good work.
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Luxury cocktails, live music and chilling at pool.
Luxury cocktails, live music and chilling at pool.
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