Mr. Charitha Dias
Co-Founder/Senior Scientist
Lecturer, Department of Animal Science,
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
The idea of developing a website that anyone could gather knowledge, and access data related to aquatic resources stemmed in 2017, with the introduction of the Lanka Fish website which mainly focused on the marine food fish and ornamental fish species in Sri Lanka. This project was led by Mr.Nuwan Liyanage and Mr. Duminda Senevirathne who are also the Co-founders of the Aquabase website and the contribution of Mr. Asanka Withanage, previous research scholar in ornamental fish database management. The final outcome of this Lanka fish database (website) was a success thanks to the support given by Mr. Manjula Herath, former system analyists of Uva Wellassa University in developing the Lanka Fish website. By analyzing the data banks of Lanka fish, we understood that the data banks of the Lanka Fish had a limited grasp with data related only to the marine food fish species and ornamental fish species. This revealed the need for a wider database so that the initiation of the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources could be done as well. Therefore in 2021, we decided to expand our databases through including more knowledge and data on aquatic resources by introducing AquaBase.
AquaBase opens doors to a blue economy by providing users information on sustainable use of aquatic resources. It guides any user who is not familiar or unaware of the aquatic resources in Sri Lanka, by the glossary and the tourist guide that are provided. The data banks of the AquaBase includes data on sustainable fish, ornamental fish, aquatic plants, corals etc. that could be accessed by anyone. Further, AquaBase, has emphasized on marine conservation measures and sustainable utilization of aquatic resources by introducing the Sri Lanka Marine Conservation Society and Sri Lanka Aquatic Resources Conservation Society. These societies together helps to develop research projects on timely issues and can be used as a platform to receive donations that will be contributed towards the marine conservation activities.
The development crew of AquaBase includes Senior Scientists, University graduates and undergraduates and IT specialists who are oriented and has a passion towards aquatic resources awareness and conservation. Together we will be providing the users the most beneficial and largest data collection on aquatic resources and is looking forward for a collaborative management approach for marine conservation and sustainable utilization of aquatic resources with our users.