Rising ocean temperatures linked to El Niño conditions could affect the feeding grounds of marine mammals, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Director General Ranjan Marasinghe stated that feeding areas associated with coral reefs and marine plants could be affected by rising seawater temperatures and changes in ocean currents.

He noted that mild coral bleaching has so far been reported at two locations in Sri Lanka, but the situation has not reached a significant level of destruction.

Additional Director General (Operations) Manjula Amararathna stated that coral reefs are highly sensitive to seawater temperatures and that rising temperatures could have severe impacts on them.

Authorities have prepared plans to restore affected marine ecosystems as quickly as possible if damage occurs.