Ecological Survey of Marine Algae at Dickwella, Sri Lanka. R.D.A.GUNASEKARA DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA

INTRODUCTION  Algae are oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, do not possess a highly differentiated vascular system and posses a multi-cellular sterile tissues surrounding their gametes.  Algae have been divided into three major groups according to the three basic colours available in them.  They are Rhodophyceae (red algae), Phaeophyceae (brown algae) and Chlorophyceae (green algae).

RED ALGAE BROWN ALGAE Caulerpa Sp. Ulva SP. Halimeda Sp. Asparagopsis Sp. Porphyra Sp. Pterocladiella Sp. Choonospora Sp. Dictyota Sp. Padina Sp.

Research Methodology Algal species were observed from the six selected transect using using a 20x20 quadrate through out the year. Each Algal species was dry and prepared herbarium sheets for further studies. Unidentified formalin species were identified by help of the Research group of Phycology in Gent University, Belgium.

Results and Conclusion  25 Green Algae Species  10 Brown Algae Species  15 Red Algae Species  Above listed Algal species have been identified on the rock flat forms, outcrops and boulders.  Their abundance vary according to the seasonal changes happen in the sea.