The Pearl Protectors

27/05/2026

Behind the peaceful shores of Sri Lanka lies the extraordinary journey of sea turtles returning home each year 🐢🌊

From nesting under moonlit skies to hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean, these ancient creatures face growing threats from plastic pollution, coastal development, artificial lighting, and climate change 💔

✍️ By: Aamina Gaffoor

Read more here 👇
https://pearlprotectors.org/the-journey-of-sea-turtles-along-sri-lankas-shores
https://www.thesun.lk/solar_hq/The-Journey-of-Sea-Turtles/557-305291

18/05/2026

Behind the beauty of the Kalpitiya Peninsula lies a growing plastic pollution crisis 🌊
From plastic-covered beaches to ghost nets damaging marine ecosystems, pollution continues to threaten Sri Lanka’s rich marine biodiversity 🐬🪸

This article explores the environmental challenges facing Bar Reef and surrounding coastal communities, while also highlighting how sustainable tourism and individual action can help protect these fragile ecosystems 💙🌍

✍️ By: Olivia Neilson

Read more here 👇
https://pearlprotectors.org/kalpitiya-peninsulas-plastic-problem
https://www.themorning.lk/articles/0g2eezJuYlWjWmHqGTQS

16/05/2026

We are celebrating World Oceans Day through Art for the 7th consecutive year. Be part of the celebrations through your artwork Hand Painting, Digital Painting or Digital Art.

We call upon artists, dreamers, and ocean advocates of all ages to channel their creativity into powerful visual stories exploring this year's compelling themes: "Echoes of the Wounded" and "The View from Below." 🎨

Deadline for submissions: 31st May 2026

Learn more on:
https://pearlprotectors.org/world-oceans-day-through-art-guidelines/

Share among art savvy friends 🎨🖌️

The World Oceans Day Art Competition 2026 is intended to inspire and educate everyone on the beauty of our oceans and to highlight the challenges they face

08/05/2026

Calling out to all Ocean Artists!

We are celebrating World Oceans Day through Art for the 7th year. Be part of the celebrations through your artwork Hand Painting, Digital Painting or Digital Art.

Deadline for submissions: 31st May 2026

Learn more on: Link on Bio Hopp 🔗
https://pearlprotectors.org/world-oceans-day-through-art-guidelines/

Share among art savvy friends 🎨🖌️

artist

07/05/2026

Warning: this video contains graphic content ⚠️

Manta ray population is fast depleting from the waters of Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, not a single species of ray is legally protected, resulting in a depletion of the marine ecosystem through the loss in its population and an increase in demand for ray meat. Ray meat is sold in the market for cheap prices (usually at RS 70,000) underestimating the value of a ray if it was to survive in its natural habitat. Sri Lanka's annual captures of manta rays far exceed the estimated total captures globally.

Meanwhile, our neighboring Maldives has protected all species of rays, while making a significant income to the nation's economy through generating marine tourism (manta ray watching tourism) & providing ecological balance to its marine environment. A manta ray during its lifespan could generate USD 200,000 through manta tourism.

As we celebrate sharks and rays this week alongside the Shark International Conference taking place in Colombo, many mantas are slaughtered all across the island.

We urge the government of Sri Lanka to legally protect Manta Rays from exploitation and hunting as Sri Lanka continues to kill Manta's for pennies in profit. If we lose these magnificent filter feeders from our sea, our marine environment will face heavy imbalance in the nutrient cycle.

06/05/2026

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish on Earth, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean which includes mainly Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, are among their most important feeding and migratory corridors.

Every year, these filter-feeding giants follow the currents and plankton blooms that pulse through our seas, making Sri Lanka a genuinely significant point on their map.

But their world is shrinking.

Boat strikes from fishing vessels and tourist operators, entanglement in fishing gear, plastic ingestion, and the collapse of plankton populations driven by ocean warming are pushing whale sharks toward an increasingly uncertain future.

Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, their slow reproductive rate means every loss is felt for decades.
In Sri Lanka, whale shark sightings off Trincomalee, and the deep waters south of Dondra are both a privilege and a responsibility. When we choose operators who keep safe distances, cut engines, and respect these animals, we vote for an ocean where they still have a place.

05/05/2026

Warning: this video contains graphic content ⚠️

Plight of sharks in Sri Lanka. As we celebrate sharks this week alongside the Shark International Conference taking place in Colombo, many sharks are slaughtered all across the island, depleting these keystone species from a sensitive marine ecosystem.

We urge the government of Sri Lanka to legally protect sharks from exploitation and hunting. Dwindling shark populations have already impacted an imbalance in marine life & fish stocks. Meanwhile, Maldives is economically thriving by protecting sharks, allowing visitors to experience them in the wild. Sri Lanka allows to kill sharks for pennies in profit.

04/05/2026

Rising ocean temperatures are silently reshaping life beneath the surface 🌊
Marine heatwaves are putting pressure on coral reefs, marine species, and the balance of ocean ecosystems 🪸🐠
Protecting our oceans through climate action and awareness is key to safeguarding marine life and coastal livelihoods 💙🌍
✍️ By: Thusitha Bulathgama

Read more here 👇
https://pearlprotectors.org/silent-of-heatwaves-how-rising-ocean-temperatures-are-reshaping-marine-eco-systems

https://www.themorning.lk/articles/WPgC0afKennztNthh3Ro

02/05/2026

Sentinels under the Starlight
By Marian de Silva

Highlighting the importance of sea turtle conservation in the most urbanized coastline in Sri Lanka and how volunteerism has played a major role in protecting the ancient mariners

Read the full article: https://www.thesun.lk/solar_hq/SENTINELS-UNDER-THE-STARLIGHT-Celebrating-Marine-Volunteerism-and-Advocacy/557-305190

26/04/2026

Turtle Patrollers of 2026

"When enough people come together, then change will come and we can achieve almost anything" - Greta Thunberg

20/04/2026

Sri Lanka’s coastal waters are rich in marine life and support both fishing communities and ocean ecosystems 🌊🐟

But when intensive fishing methods are used in shallow waters, they can damage sensitive habitats, reduce fish populations, and threaten biodiversity ⚠️

Protecting coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine resources through sustainable fishing is essential for the future of our seas and coastal livelihoods 💙

✍️ By: Saduni Rukshala
Read more here 👇
https://pearlprotectors.org/the-nets-changing-our-seas/
http://themorning.lk/articles/YOFsDzU016u8JRyLNspu