Trincomalee Pigeon Island marine park: table coral regeneration and shark nursery zones?
What thermal resilience and branching coral restoration methods protect the shallow Acropora nurseries around Pigeon Island?
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3 Answers from travellers
Pigeon Island National Park off Nilaveli features exceptional marine biodiversity, centered on extensive tabular Acropora coral gardens and shallow sandy lagoons acting as blacktip reef shark nurseries. Following historical El Nino bleaching events, NARA and DWC established marine restoration protocols: broken coral fragments ("corals of opportunity") are collected and attached to underwater wire mesh tables and ceramic plugs using marine epoxy. These nursery nubbins grow rapidly before being outplanted onto degraded limestone reef shelves, accelerating natural reef structural recovery.
Snorkelers must wear life jackets and swim within marked rope channels to prevent accidental fin strikes against delicate table coral surfaces.
Fiberglass speedboats depart from Nilaveli beach daily from May to September during the peak east coast calm water window.
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