MARINE PROGRAM

We have extended our award-winning community-led conservation approach to protect Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable marine life, to ensure sustainable livelihoods for those dependent on our territorial waters and beautiful coastline.

Project Overview

Sri Lanka, with a 1,700 km coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) eight times its land area, is home to rich marine biodiversity and a population deeply dependent on ocean resources. Over 2.4 million people rely on fisheries for their livelihoods, and marine products are a vital protein source. However, the country’s marine ecosystems are under increasing threat from harmful fishing practices, pollution, habitat degradation, and insufficient conservation efforts.

Despite the ecological and economic importance of its marine environment, Sri Lanka lacks a centralized strategy for marine research, education, and public awareness. Key species such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, dugongs, coral reefs, reef fishes and commercial fish species face growing risks, and existing conservation initiatives are fragmented and under-resourced.

Summary

Despite the ecological and economic importance of its marine ecosystems, Sri Lanka faces critical challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, and a lack of coordinated conservation efforts. The project aims to address these issues through a long-term, integrated approach that includes scientific research, inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, policy development, and habitat protection.

Key goals include improving ecological knowledge, promoting sustainable fisheries, enhancing public awareness, and reducing coastal pollution. By investing in these areas, the project seeks to protect Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations.

Objectives

The Marine Project key objectives are:

Conducting baseline ecological research to address critical knowledge gaps.
Strengthening collaboration among government agencies and enforcement bodies
Enhancing community engagement and awareness through education and outreach.
Developing and enforcing effective legal and policy frameworks.
Promoting sustainable fisheries, ornamental fish breeding, and eco-tourism
Protecting key habitats such as nesting beaches and migration routes
Reducing marine pollution through improved coastal waste management.

Stakeholders & Collaborators:

Expected Outcomes

Improved Scientific Knowledge and Data Availability
- Comprehensive baseline data collected on key marine species and ecosystems, including cetaceans, sea turtles, sharks, and dugongs.
- Identification and mapping of critical habitats such as nesting beaches and migration routes.
Strengthened Institutional and Policy Frameworks
- Enhanced collaboration between government agencies (e.g., DWC, DFAR, Navy, Coast Guard) for coordinated marine conservation efforts.
- Development and implementation of stronger legal and policy measures for marine protection and sustainable resource use.
Increased Community Engagement and Awareness
- Coastal communities educated and empowered to participate in marine conservation initiatives.
- Increased public awareness of marine biodiversity, its importance, and the threats it faces.
Promotion of Sustainable Livelihoods
- Adoption of sustainable fishing practices and reduced reliance on harmful techniques such as blast fishing and cyanide use.
- Support for alternative income sources, including eco-tourism and captive breeding of ornamental fish.
Enhanced Protection of Marine Habitats and Species
- Legal and physical protection of key ecosystems and species under threat.
- Reduced incidence of illegal fishing, sea turtle poaching, and other destructive practices.
Reduced Marine Pollution
- Improved waste management systems in coastal areas leading to a significant reduction in marine plastic and other pollutants.
Expected Key Results:
- At least 5 new marine protected areas proposed or strengthened based on ecological research.
- Increased inter-agency coordination through at least 3 joint initiatives or task forces.
- Over 1000 community members trained and actively involved in conservation activities.
- Tangible reduction in illegal fishing practices in targeted regions.
- Documented increase in public awareness levels through outreach and education campaigns.
- Pilot projects launched for sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism in selected coastal communities.
- These outcomes and results will contribute to the long-term conservation of Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems and the sustainable development of its coastal regions.

Join us in Sri Lanka!

We offer individuals and families a rare opportunity to work alongside scientists, conservationists, educators, community partners, and local villagers deep within the heart of beautiful Sri Lanka. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, for fun or for business, our programs offer a wide variety of options to meet your needs and fulfill your interests while helping to support our critical conservation and research work.

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