Authorities to protect coral reef in Tamil Nadu's Gulf of Mannar

Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu), July 23 (ANI): Authorities at the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GMMNP) in the Indian Ocean, situated on the Tamil Nadu Coast, will set up sea buoys to demarcate the national park, and protect coral reefs and marine life.

GMMNP authorities are contributing to that by floating fluorescent buoys that are identifiable even in the dark around the islands to indicate that they are prohibited areas.he 21 islands of Rameshwaram have excellent coral reefs, and the ban on fishing, will also help restore some of the reef.

"These Rameshwaram islands are 21 islands. It will be protected by the government. That's why government wants to put up floating buoys so it will be a demarcation for these islands for not fishing at these areas. This is breeding ground for the marine life," said T. N. Hariharan, District Collector, Ramanathapuram.

"In India coral reefs are found in four places - in Gujarat, and in islands of Rameshwaram, Andaman and Nicobar, and Lakshadweep," he added.

The placement of buoys demarcating the core zone of Gulf of Mannar would also control poaching in the protected areas.

"Gulf of Mannar belts were reserved consisting of 10,5000 square kilometers of area, starting from Rameshwaram to up to Kanyakumari. It contains national park areas of 560 square kilometers. About 21 islands are there in this national park," said Sundara Kumar, the wildlife warden of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GMMNP).

The step would help to protect rare species of marine organisms including corals, which would ultimately benefit the fishermen and the local community in the long run. (ANI)