Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary

Located in the Eastern Province, KMS spans 953 hectares and consists of coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove ecosystems. It is rich in biodiversity with more than 300 species of reef fish and 50 species of hard corals inhabiting this marine wonderland. KMS is part of a complex of ecologically significant coastal and marine habitats extending from Vakarai in the north to Kalkudah in the south. Declared as a Marine Sanctuary in 2019 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), KMS is definitely worth a visit! 

Kayankerni is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, which are home to a diverse range of marine life. These reefs are essential for maintaining the ecological balance and supporting the local fisheries. The area is a known nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, including the endangered green turtle and the olive ridley turtle.
Malabar pied hornbill

Key Facts

Pictured above is an illustrated guide we created for Blue Resources Trust under the “Community Livelihoods and Biodiversity Recovery (COLIBRI)” project funded by the European Union. Similar to many of our other illustrated guides, this resource aims to educate the public about the fauna that resides within this unique ecosystem. We hope resources such as this help the public gain a better understanding of lesser known yet equally important species that make up an ecosystem, thereby fostering a deeper sense of appreciation for all wildlife and nature.

If you are an individual, organization or corporate looking to develop visually engaging conservation education materials, please drop us a DM to explore potential opportunities for collaboration.

To learn more about KMS visit www.kayankerni.org - a dedicated website to this watery paradise

Illustrations by Zev
Support by Sharya Wick
Content by Blue Resources Trust
Developed in collaboration with Blue Resources Trust with funding from the European Union

How can you do your part?

Guidelines for Safely Enjoying Natural Habitats

Say No to Plastic

Use reusable bottles and bags to cut plastic waste. Opt for glass bottles or cans instead of plastic when buying sodas. Say no to plastic straws and bags, and bring a reusable bag when shopping.

Say No to Bush Meat

Avoid bush-meat like wild boar and venison to prevent harm to wildlife. The methods used for capture are illegal and destructive, often harming unintended animals like leopards and fishing cats in snares.

Respect Wildlife

Respect the animals and their habitat. Allowing our natural environment to remain the way it is with minimal disturbance will only make for better sightings and experiences in the wild.

Spread the Word

Follow these guidelines and spread the word to friends and family. Engage with your local community and speak out about environmental issues. Your actions can drive real change—don't hesitate to speak up!

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