Marine magic

In June 2023, experts from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and international academic institutions such as Sri Lanka's University of Ruhuna, conducted a joint workshop and field survey of the coral reefs.

The results showed that the breakwater area contained 73 coral species, with an average coverage of 24.36 percent and a maximum coverage of 60 percent in some areas. A total of 114 fish species, including endangered ones like the hump-head wrasse, were also found in the area.

Corals have specific ecological requirements and the project under the China-proposed BRI has created favorable conditions for their growth in Sri Lanka, according to experts.