Marine researchers from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at the University of Ruhuna have initiated an extensive environmental monitoring program across the Hikkaduwa Marine National Park and Rumassala coral sanctuaries in Galle.

As heavy monsoon river discharge from the Gin Ganga pours into coastal waters, the research team is logging water salinity, turbidity, and sea surface temperature fluctuations to evaluate the physiological resilience of shallow coral colonies. Scientists noted that the real-time data will guide coastal management authorities in mitigating terrestrial sediment inflows and protecting critical reef nurseries that sustain the region's diving tourism and artisanal fisheries.