Ediriweera, A.N.Jayamanne, S.C.2022-02-222022-02-222013http://www.erepo.lib.uwu.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/123456789/8414/21-AQT-Distribution%20and%20Abundance%20of%20Seaweeds%20at%20Polhena%20Reef-Matara%20.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yPolhena reef is among the most valuable marine ecosystems existing along the southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The reef is a fringing coral reef and is highly diverse both in flora and fauna. It is well known as an ecosystem that has significant ecological and economical value. Senaratne et al. (2013) has indicated that the reef is exposed to anthropogenic activities and is disturbed to some extent. Coral reef is covered with seaweeds that belong to categories of green, brown and red. Seaweeds also play a major role as live feed, breeding grounds and as habitats for marine fauna existing in coral reef. It is also economically important as human food, animal feed, pharmaceutical, fodder, stationary and cosmetic production. Growth, distribution and abundance of seaweeds vary spatially, seasonally and with other external factors of the environment. This study was focused on the identification of seaweed species, distribution and their abundance within a selected area of Polhena coral reef with an aim of finding their value as an ecological resource. Methodology The study was carried out during the period May, 2013 to July, 2013. An area with a length of 3 km parallel to the shore was selected for the study and five parallel transect lines (T1-T5) were laid across the coral reef perpendicular to shore up to the sea end of the reef using colour coded nylon ropes. An equal distance was maintained between every adjacent two transect lines by using a GPS (Garmin GPS 72). Each rope was marked at each 4 m. Triplicate samples of seaweeds were collected between each and every two marks using a 50 cm x50 cm quadrat and photographs were taken at each quadrat using an underwater camera (Panasonic-Lumix FT-20). Data on species composition and percent cover of the seaweeds that were collected from each quadrat. Species were identified at the laboratory using hand lenses and a binocular microscope (SN090933909 labomed binonular) (Coppejans et al., 2009). Species of seaweeds recorded in five transects during the study period was entered to a table created in Minitab-15 data sheet and Microsoft Excel data sheet. Statistical analysis was done using a Two-way ANOVA, One-way ANOVA and Turkey’s Test in Minitab 15 statistical software.enAnimal SciencesAquaculture and FisheriesAquatic PlantAquatic ResourcesAquatic ProductsOther