Rejuvenation and reclamation of  selected corals in coral reef in the Gulf of Mannar

 

Principal Investigator:  M. Saktivel, PG Dept.  of Zoology, Kamaraj College,

Sanctioned cost:            INR 472688.00        

Tenure:                          2 years

 

Objectives:

            To undertake a survey in order to  assess the present status of fauna and bio-eroding organisms of coral reefs in Gulf of Mannar.  

Results:

  1. The avrerage annual ranges of the physico-chemical parameters like Temp, DO, salinity, showed no extreme fluctuations and were  within the normal ranges which is risk-free for corals.

  2. Silt is most commonly found.

  3. Human interference like dredging, removal of coral stone for construction, destruction of vegetation, hand picking of live corals, fishing activities and pollution are the main cause of environmental damage to this fragile eco-system.

 

Benefits:

             This study will throw light on actual picture of coralline ecology in the Gulf of Mannar and the suggestions that will come eventually will  help the planners and decision makers to take appropriate steps to protect  the serenity of coastal ecology.

 

                                Photo of Selected Coral &  Fish  Samples