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TRINCOMALEE BAY SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA Page | 33
144. The bay is important for at least five species of larger whales along with dolphins and
porpoises. There are about 16 marine mammals and large blue whales and sperm whales
have been recorded close to the outer perimeter of the bay.
145. Discussions with officers from NARA indicate that whales can frequently be observed
in Trincomalee bay and the southern coastal zone of Sri Lanka throughout the year. Hence
Trincomalee bay has huge potential for whale based tourism which is not yet properly
developed. Dugongs are also reported from the outer bay area where sea grass beds are
available. In some seasons, different shark species can also be observed.
D. Socio-economic environment
1. Population
146. The most populated areas of the SAM planning area are located in the Trincomalee
and Kinniya urban areas. The total population around the bay, which includes Trincomalee
Town & Gravets, Kinniya and Muthur DSD, is more than 200,000. This has almost doubled
since 1971 as illustrated in Table IV.4 below, with an average annual growth of 2.5-3.1%.
Table IV.4: Population trend at Trincomalee Bay
Division 1971 1981 1991 2000 2001 2002 2003* 2005* 2007**
Town &
Gravets
58,013 71,609 84,400 94,979 93,748 102,487 106,704 111,922 89,046
Kinniya 39,093 31,142 36,748 62,819 55,628 66,859 69,413 75,507 61,558
Muthur 29,299 39,992 47,191 55,974 52,656 60,060 61,931 63,690 47,132
Total 126,405 142,743 168,339 213,772 202,032 229,406 238,048 251,119 197,736
Source: Urban Development Authority (2000), year 1971
Note: District Population figures were confirmed by Censes Department 1981, 2001 & 2007
* District Statistical Hand Books 2003 & 2005 of District Planning Secretariat, Trincomalee.
**Special enumeration by Dept. of Census & Statistics in 2007(34 GN divisions not done)
147. Ethnic and religious diversity in the district is high. Based on 1999 data, the
population was 38.9% Muslim, 31.9% Tamil and 28.9% Sinhalese.
148. There are an estimated 3,290 female-headed households in the SAM planning area,
who are an especially vulnerable group. Some of the communities with the highest numbers
of female-headed households are within the communities ranked as most vulnerable overall
(especially a number of communities in Town & Gravets and Kinniya DSDs). The improved
security situation has resulted in the return of people who left Trincomalee during last 10
years. Population density and ethnic ratio is rapidly changing as a consequence.
2. Economic status
149. The local economy in Trincomalee District is largely based on agriculture and
fisheries, with agriculture providing more than 40% of all employment. There is only limited
activity in other sectors such as manufacturing or services. There is also a high degree of
unemployment and under-employment. The resulting poverty can put extra pressure on
natural resources through increased subsistence use. However, the tourism industry, which
was damaged by the poor security situation over the last 2-3 decades, is recovering rapidly
with the return of peace and looks set to become an important economic driver in the SAM
planning area, particularly in the Trincomalee urban zone.