Potential for aquatic cultural services in fresh water for fresh water- based ecotourism, Vawnikulam reservoir, in Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Freshwater-based tourism comprises both tourism and an ecotourism component. The current study evaluates the diversity of freshwater fish in water resources that may suffer from freshwater-based tourism (Ecotourism) within the zone and investigates conceivable opportunities for such ecotourism in Vawnikulam major reservoir in Mullaitive district, Sri Lanka. The Mullaitive district has distinctive topographical highlights that have a high potential for fresh water resources. These highlights include three major tanks, sixteen medium tanks, and more than 100 minor tanks. There are just 21,399 land-based freshwater bodies, 8% of the total land area, and no significant perennial rivers that can be used to irrigate crops. This study used a mix of primary (qualitative and quantitative) and secondary information sources. Multi-gillnet rods and hooks were chosen as the material for the particular harvest strategy, which was utilized to gather the sample. From January to December 2022, the Vawnikulam major reservoir within the Mullaitive district was considered. Fish diversity, relative abundance, and diversity indices were determined and applied to analyze the potential for ecotourism based on freshwater resources. During the study period, 28 species including 11 families were recorded. According to national conservation status (NCS) ,7 Endemic (E) species 14 Native species (NA), 6 Introduced species, and 1 species were Near threatened (NT) were identified. In order to disentangle the pathways of fresh water as aquatic cultural services and create fresh water-based ecotourism activities that can develop in Mullaitive district, Sri Lanka, this investigation distinguished the travellers within the considered area. It also analyses appropriate freshwater-based ecotourism activities.