Launch of MFF funded Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka. 4th Dec 2014

Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka, Vol II was launched on 4 December 2014 at the National Science Foundation in Colombo

The second volume of “Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka” was launched at the Auditorium of the National Science Foundation, on December 04, 2014. Written by Mr Arjan Rajasuriya, Coordinator of IUCN Sri Lanka Marine Programmes and produced by Mangroves for the Future (MFF) Sri Lanka. This Volume 2 of Reef Fishes, adds to the comprehensive expanse of knowledge on Reef Fishes provided by Mr. Rajasuriya in his first volume (Rajasuriya, 2013).  

In Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka: Volume 2, Mr Rajasuriya has compiled a comprehensive and attractive database on 102 reef fish species of Sri Lanka, adding to the collection of 158 species offered in his first volume. Complete with vividly colourful illustrations by Mr Shantha Jayaweera, the field guides provide the reader with concisely listed information on each species such as, distribution globally and locally, habitat, size, ecology, availability, economic importance, threats and conservation status.

The guests represented IUCN Sri Lanka National Committee, MFF National Steering Committee, Government, private sector and NGOs. In the opening remarks Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri, IUCN Country Representative highlighted the potential of using Sri Lanka biodiversity including reef fishes to add value to the tourism industry and associated services and as a way to engage youth to promote their interests in nature.  Mr Arjan Rajasuriya discussed a range of environmental and human interventions that are harmful to the reef fishes and the marine environment. He shared his observations and experience of the impact of climate change and use of harmful fishing practices such as using nets to harvest reef resources and use of dynamite. Enhanced education, awareness and improved governance are critical to ensure the resilience of coastal ecosystems, the tourism industry and livelihoods according to Mr. Rajasuriya.  Dr Malik Fernando the Chief Guest for the day and a well known naturalist with years of diving experience described the literature on living natural resources related work and publications on natural history of Sri Lanka carried out since 1852 by E.F.  Kelaart. Dr Fernando as a fellow diver with Mr Rajasuriya shared his enthusiasm and appreciation towards the marine and coastal environment around Sri Lanka while emphasizing the need to engage policy makers, govt. and non-govt. agencies, communities and youth in understanding the potential and sustainable use of marine life.

In summary the speakers informed the guests on the declining status of reef fishes and their habitats around the island today, compared to a few decades ago; the benefits that can be gained by their conservation and sustainable use, and the importance of field guides in sparking interest among the public through knowledge enhancement and awareness.

 Field Guide to Reef Fishes volume 1 and 2 are expected to fill some of the critical information gaps to increase the awareness and understanding of reef fishes and thus prompt the people, both the community and stakeholders alike, to take action towards protecting and conserving these species.

 

 

 

Launch of MFF funded Field Guide to the Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka, Vol II

Launch of MFF funded Field Guide to the Reef Fishes of Sri L ... , Colombo © Naalin Perers, IUCN, 2014

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