Abstract:
Bundala National Park (BNP) is the first Ramsar wetland in Sri Lanka. Major lagoons in
the BNP are Malala, Embillakala and Bundala Lewaya. These lagoons provide food and
habitat for numerous species including migrate™ birds. However these lagoons are
degrading for various reasons such as overwhelming freshwater influence, abrupt saline
water intrusion, and invasive species. The agricultural runoff discharged from
Lunugamvehera area has been blamed for its adverse effects on Embillakala and Malala
lagoons. The present status of the physicochemical parameters and zooplankton
community ha-, 'been assessed in the western periphery of the Embillakala lagoon for a
period of six months in relation to the Lunugamvehera water influx into the lagoon. Our
data have indicated that, study area of the Embillakala lagoon is severely influenced by
fresh water input. Increased sedimentation and enhanced littoral zone, abundant freshwater
aquatic macrophytes and abundant freshwater zooplankton are noteworthy characters of
the study area. Zooplankton abundance and diversity significantly changed monthly in
relation to the freshwater nutrient loading via Lunugamvehera water influx. Salinity and
humidity were significantly correlated with zooplankton abundance.
