Effect of physical and human factors affecting marine environment and coral reefs: a study of the Galle coastal area

Abstract

In the examination of the propagation of corals, it could be observed that it is limited to a specific area. Although, 71% of the earth hydrosphere is covered with ocean water, coral reefs cannot be found in all oceanic regions. Globally coral reefs are divided in to 8 types. Coral reefs grow in the marine environment between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Corals grow immensely in tropical areas. Ocean provides a suitable environmental condition to the growth of coral reefs. As this natural system creates a suitable environmental for numerous living beings and provides necessary food for the growth and existence of many aquatic species, it appears to be much better and richer than the tropical forest Environmental system. Coral reefs are an endangered species in Sri Lanka. There are many adverse impacts on the growth of Marine Environment and Coral reefs in Sri Lanka especially along the southern coastal Area. The objective of this study is to identify the impact of human and physical factors on environment of coral reefs and provide solutions to overcome or mitigate the problems regarding the destruction of coral reefs in Sri Lanka. The investigation was carried out using preliminary data and secondary data. In order to obtain preliminary particulars observations were made in Galle coastal area in South. We used Geographic Information System (GIS) and the secondary information was gathered from books, international journals and internet etc. It is revealed that 60% of coral reef destroyed because of human activities, as well as physical factors.