Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Species diversity and Distribution pattern of Bivalves in Jaffna lagoon, Sri Lanka

3^rd International Conference on Aquaculture & Fisheries

September 29-October 01, 2016 London, UK

Hirimuthugoda N, Mendis H T R, Perera P W A, Warnasooriya S and N P G Puspitha

University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
Ocean University, Sri Lanka

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Aquac Res Development

Abstract:

Several regions and areas including Island Sri Lanka have been categorized as being vulnerable to impact of climate change. Due to high vulnerability to the climate change, a need has arisen to identify the species diversity and their distribution patterns of bivalves in Sri Lanka including the Jaffna Lagoon. Therefore, a study on investigation of bivalves in Jaffna lagoon, Sri Lanka was carried out from June to September 2015. A total of 7 species of bivalves were identified in 20 different areas throughout the lagoon. Seven species of bivalves belonging to the four genera Gafrarium, Meretrix, Saccostrea and Gari including Gafrarium tumidum, Gafrarium spp, Gafrarium pectinatum, Meretrix casta, Meretrix ovum, Saccostrea cucullata and Gari spp were observed. The most common species in the lagoon were Gafrarium tumidum and M. casta while Gafrarium tumidum was the dominant species except in a very few locations. The highest bivalve richness was recorded in Koyila Kandy, whereas in Gurunagar, Paranthan, Ariyalai, Kachchai, Navathkuli and Siruppidy the richness was zero. The highest bivalve diversity was observed in Koyila Kandy and the least diversity was recorded in Puvara santhivu area. Results revealed that the species distribution was significantly correlated to the chlorophyll availability and optimum sea surface temperature values of the lagoon. Since this was the first study on bivalve richness and diversity in Jaffna lagoon, results of this research can be used as the base line information for future bivalve management and conservation activities in Jaffna lagoon, in Sri Lanka as well in Indian Ocean.

Biography :

Email: yasho@ansci.ruh.ac.lk