P. M. A. Jayasuriya

Bio: P. M. A. Jayasuriya is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Halophila decipiens & Halophila ovalis. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 12 citations.

The species composition, abundance and the distribution of seagrass communities in Puttalam lagoon

Abstract: The species composition, abundance and the distribution of different seagrassbeds of Puttalam lagoon have been investigated. Eight species belonging to sixgenera were recorded during the investigation i.e., Enhalus acroida (I. F..)RoyleThalassia hemprichif (Ehrenb.) Aschers., HaIodule uninervis (Forsk.) Aschers inBossiser, Syringodium isoetifolium (Aschers.) Dandy, Cymodocea rotundataEhernb. et Hempr. ex Aschers., Cymodocea serrulata(R. Br.) Aschers, and Magnus,Halophila ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. F. and Halophila decipiens Ostenfeld. Twovarieties of Halodule uninervis (narrow and wide) were also recorded during thisinvestigation. The distribution pattern of the different species of seagrass bedsshowed a close association with different salinity values of the lagoon. It wasfound that the narrow variety of Halodule uninervis covered 75% of the potentialareas of the lagoon. It was also observed that Enhalus acroides, Cymodoceaserrulata and Thalassia hemprichii play a major role as substrata lor manyimportant epiphytic forms of macro and micro algae. It was also discussed thaitraditionalfishing methods prevailing in this lagoon show til great threat to the'survival of the seagrass communities.'

Marine protected area needs in the South Asian seas region. Vol. 5 : Sri Lanka

Abstract: This series provides extensive details on the various issues that need to be considered in the planning of a system of marine and coastal protected areas, from legislation and administrative frameworks to key habitats and species, resource use and environmental problems. Each report concludes with a recommendations section which includes a summary of coastal and marine areas considered to be priorities for protection.

Seagrass and Salt Marsh Ecosystems in South Asia: An Overview of Diversity, Distribution, Threats and Conservation Status

Abstract: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have extensive coastal and marine ecosystems. Seagrass beds and salt marshes are coastal ecosystems restricted to the subtidal and intertidal zone ranging from shallow water in the case of seagrass to the high upland of intertidal zone in case of salt marsh. The chapter provides an overview of the salt marsh and seagrass ecosystems in India and other South Asian countries. Despite their significant ecological importance, seagrass and salt marsh ecosystems are relatively under-explored or unexplored, particularly in the South Asian countries. Fifteen species of seagrass are reported from South Asian region, all of which are found in India. They are distributed along the coastal states/union territories except Maharashtra, Daman and Diu, Puducherry and West Bengal. The salt marsh species diversity in India and the Maldives is not reported. The chapter provides checklist of salt marshes of India, represented by 14 species, which are distributed along Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Puttalam Lagoon and Mundel Lake, Sri Lanka: a study of coastal resources, their utilization, environmental issues and management options

Abstract: The article describes the results of a study of the environment and the use of natural resources in a coastal area in the Northwestern Province, Sri Lanka. The economy in the area is based mainly on fisheries and agriculture. The study shows that there is significant overuse of the natural resources in the area. Fishing in Puttalam Lagoon has exceeded the carrying capacity of the ecosystem and a number of habitats of critical importance to the productivity of the ecosystem are also under severe pressure. Wetlands with mangroves and other vegetation are being transformed into prawn farms at a rapid rate, coral reefs are being degraded due to the use of destructive fishing techniques. Based on these finding the article recommends several management alternatives.

Genetic identification and hybridization in the seagrass genus Halophila (Hydrocharitaceae) in Sri Lankan waters.

Abstract: Seagrasses, as marine angiosperms, play important roles in coastal ecosystems. With increasing anthropogenic impacts, they are facing dramatic declines on a global scale. Halophila is well-known as a complex taxonomic challenge mainly due to high morphological plasticity. By using only a morphological approach, the genus could be over-split or similar species could be erroneously lumped, thus masking its true biodiversity. In the present study, we incorporated genetic identification with morphological examination to reveal the identity of Halophila plants in southern and northwestern Sri Lankan waters. The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and chloroplast ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase gene (rbcL) were used to identify plants collected from the Gulf of Mannar, Puttalam Lagoon, and Matara, Sri Lanka. Based on genetic identification, H. major (Zoll.) Miquel is reported for the first time from Sri Lanka, which might have been misidentified as H. ovalis in previous literature based on morphology alone. We also observed a first hybridization case of Halophila cross between H. ovalis and H. major. Two potential cryptic species were found, herein designated Halophila sp. 1 (allied to H. minor) and Halophila sp. 2 (closely related to H. decipiens). In order to clarify taxonomic ambiguity caused by morphological plasticity and the low resolution of genetic markers, further comparative phylogenomic approaches might be needed to solve species boundary issues in this genus.