Unveiling the Biodiversity Beneath the Waves
Marine biodiversity refers to the diverse spectrum of life that resides in our oceans - from the smallest plankton to majestic whales and vibrant coral reefs. Certain areas, teeming with various species, are classified as high biodiversity regions, supporting essential biological processes such as feeding, spawning, and nursery habitats. Shipwrecks are perfect examples of these high biodiversity areas, offering shelter and thriving ecosystems to many marine organisms.
Within weeks of a ship's sinking, its surfaces are colonized by organisms such as bryozoans, oysters, sponges, and corals, transforming the shipwreck into a burgeoning artificial reef over time. These artificial reefs provide additional hard substrate and habitats to marine fauna, often resulting in higher abundances compared to their natural counterparts. In the process, a new marine bio-community is formed, attracting other organisms like fish.
Shipwrecks also boost the local zooplankton abundance, providing a valuable food source for carnivorous species and creating opportunities for predation within the structure. Several fish species benefit from the presence of shipwrecks, using them as protection from predators and strong currents while simultaneously preying on passively transported plankton. The diverse topology of these submerged structures reduces competition for space and fosters niche partitioning, potentially boosting fish abundance and distribution. Moreover, shipwrecks' cavernous spaces offer ideal breeding and nursery grounds and serve as daytime residences for species that feed nocturnally.
The conversion of shipwrecks into artificial reefs brings several benefits, including easing pressure on traditional fishing and recreational areas, promoting nature conservation, and coastal protection. These reefs contribute to the enrichment and diversification of local fish communities, supporting local fisheries and the economies of coastal areas. Shipwrecks also prevent the disturbance of soft-substrate ecosystems by trawl fisheries and modify local hydrodynamics and sedimentology. In addition, they attract snorkelers and SCUBA divers, reducing fishing activity pressure and fostering tourism.
Despite these benefits, the biodiversity associated with shipwrecks remains relatively unexplored. To address this, we've established a separate section in the Sri Lanka National Shipwreck Database (NSDB). The NSDB compiles photos and videos of species found in and around Sri Lanka's shipwrecks. While the data presented here doesn't cover the entire biodiversity, it represents the most available data and describes the habitat preferences and feeding guild of the species present.
We invite scientists, diving professionals, and diving enthusiasts to contribute to the NSBD by sharing photos and videos of their shipwreck diving encounters. Once verified, these contributions will be added to our database, enabling everyone to learn more about this unique ecosystem. The information gathered will help us understand biodiversity, identify changes over time, steer research needs, and inform management actions, such as the establishment of marine protected areas. Together, we can uncover the secrets of Sri Lanka's underwater world, one shipwreck at a time.