Lagoons are widely known as slightly saline water bodies that brings the fresh water streams from the interior lands towards the sea. These water bodies have a medium level of salinity around 12 to 15 ppm which makes its ecosystem unique and irreplaceable. Owing to the geomorphology of Eastern province along the coastal line, these estuarine ecosystems are widely spread in many places. These brackish water bodies are the major breeding sites of crabs and prawns that are the major seafood delicacies in these area and also the estuarine water bodies act as points of recreations for nature lovers and those who enjoy mingling with nature.
Panichankerny lagoon
Panichankerny lagoon, is located in Vakari division of Batticaloa district. Which is a renowned relaxing point for those who travel from Batticaloa to Trincomalee through A5 road. This estuarine ecosystem lies adjacent to the Panichankerny bridge and a park has also been established for travelers to relax which are maintained by the community and local government bodies. This place is famous for traditional fishing activities, especially men catching prawns can be sited during the evening hours. Also, a few women fishing on canoes can also be seen here since fishing and is their major livelihood activity.
Nasivanthivu mangrove patches
Nasivanthivu is a rural village that hosts a marginalized community of people. This little lagoon island is surrounded by a lagoon and along the east a little beach stretch has several patches of mangroves. Owing to the geomorphology of this location, lagoon fishing is the major livelihood of people living around these areas. This island is not highly inhabited by people. Live crab fishery and lagoon fishing can be sited around this mangrove patches and on the coastal end of this island there is a mini fisheries harbour, that is accessed by locals.
Batticaloa lagoon
This lagoon, takes a long run towards the sea. Therefore, this has been divided in to various zones based on the salinity so does the change in flora and fauna along the esuarine ecosystem. However, the most prominantly known Batticaloa lagoon has the highest salinity which is always above 12ppm, and this is the lagoon stretch near Kallady bridge. This is where the significant story of "Singing Fish of Batticaloa" are cited. Recreational activities related to this lagoon are paddle boating, canoeing and motor boat ride along the lagoon.