Marine bioreserve in Gulf of Mannar and Setusamudram Channel Project -- a cartographic and pictorial essay (26 May 2007)

1. Marine Bioreserve in Gulf of Mannar and
Sethusamudram Channel Project (A
cartographic and pictorial essay)
Location map. Inset: bathymetry map of the Gulf of Mannar (reproduced from Murty
et al., 1994) Source:
http://www.sethusamudram.in/htmdocs/Articles/cp_rajendran_2.htm
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2. Various alignments of Sethusamudram channel considered from 1961 (AR Mudaliar
Committee Report of 1956) http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Images/Map1.jpg
Alignment No. 4 does NOT impact on the Marine Bioreserve or the National Marine
Parks as discussed further through the maps and pictures given below. The choice of
Alignment No. 6 (Present channel) is arbitrary and drawn without due diligence, just
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3. along the medial line between India and Srilanka. (See map of Smt. Indira Gandhi-
Smt. Sirimavo Bandaranaike agreement of June 1974).
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4. Alignment of proposed channel cutting a passage through Rama Setu
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5. Proposed channel view http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Images/Map3.jpg
Dhanushkodi aerial view http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Images/Map15.jpg
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6. IRS LISS-III
Satellite
Iagery of Gulf
of Mannar
Three dimensional model for Gulf of Mannar sea floor
« The sea floor depth contours with reference to chart datum (1975) measured at
Tuticorin and Mandapam coasts
during April 1999 are shown in the
Figures 7 and Table 1. Recent
depth contour map (1999) has
been compared with bathymetry
map of 1975; it reflects that the
seafloor level decreased along the
coastal and around the islands in
the study area. It may be due to
emerging of land due to tectonism. Many authors have reported that the coast of
Gulf of Mannar is on an emerging phase due to tectonic movement (Foot, 1888;
Ahmad, 1972; Stoodart and Pillai, 1972; Loveson and Rajamanicam, 1988;
Ramasamy, Ramasamy, (1996), has build up a post collision tectonic model for the
southern part of Indian and in which he has observed a series of geoenvironmental
problems being caused due to such ongoing tectonic movement.« (Source:
http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/geology/geomorphology/ma06_259a.ht
m)
When the tsunami struck the coastline of India on Dec. 26, 2004, thanks to the
existence of Rama Setu (Adam’s bridge) which acted as a tsunami protection wall,
the tsunami did not have any significant on reefs, associated habitat and resources
in Gulf of Mannar. (See http://sethusamudram.gov.in/PeterArticle.asp )
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7. http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Images/Map4.jpg
Pearl banks in Gulf of Mannar http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Images/Map5.jpg
The Gulf of Mannar, India (Source: UN Atlas of the Oceans)
117 hard coral species have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar. Sea turtles are
frequent visitors to the gulf as are sacred sharks, dugongs, and dolphins. However,
the combined effects of 47 villages, with a total population of around 50,000 has
meant that overharvesting of marine species has become a problem. Fish catches
have declined, as have pearl oyster, gorgonian and acorn worms populations. Local
fishermen rely on the reef to feed their families however destructive fishing methods
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8. combined with the stress of
pollution and coral mining have
meant both nearshore and
offshore catches have decreased.
Examples of harvested coral
(left). Photo courtesy of Topham,
UNEP.
Around 250metres3 of coral is
quarried from the Gulf of Mannar
per day. This mining and coastal
erosion combined with crown-of-
thorns starfish infestations that
graze on the reef has caused
much coral loss. Sewage
pollution on the Keelakarai coast
has caused algae growth to cover
corals and black and white band
coral diseases have been
recorded.
http://www.oceansatlas.org/cds_
static/en/gulf_mannar_india__en
_19407_all_1.html
The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere
Reserve covers an area of
1,050,000 hectares on the
south-east coast of India across from Sri Lanka. It is one of the world’s richest
regions from a marine biodiversity perspective. The biosphere reserve comprises 21
islands with estuaries, beaches, forests of the nearshore environment, including a
marine component with algal communities, sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes
and mangroves. Among the Gulf’s 3,600 plant and animal species are the globally
endangered sea cow (Dugong dugon) and six mangrove species endemic to
peninsular India.
The inhabitants are mainly Marakeyars, local people principally engaged in fisheries.
There are about 47 villages along the coastal part of the biosphere reserve which
support some 100,000 people (200,000 seasonally as of 2001). The Global
Environmental Facility (GEF) has provided support to the establishment of the
biosphere reserve, including the setting up and functioning of the Gulf of Mannar
Biosphere Reserve Trust, which is responsible for the coordination of the
management plan for the biosphere reserve in concertation with government
agencies, private entrepreneurs, and local people’s representatives. Priority is being
given to encouraging community-based management.
Major habitats & land cover types
Sea grass beds dominated by Hydrocharitaceae and Potamogetonaceae, Halodule
uninervis, Cymodocea rotunda, C. serrulata etc.; coral reefs; mangroves including
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9. Rhizophora conjugata, Avicennia alba, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal,
Lumnitzera racemosa etc.
Year designated: 2001
http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?mode=all&code=IND+0
2
The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve was established by the Government of
India and the State of Tamil Nadu in 1989 and was the first marine protected area to
be declared in South and South East Asia. The Reserve consists of a chain of 21
islets lying off Tamil Nadu on the southeast coast of India between 8º 45' N and 9º
25' N and 78º 05' E and 79º 30' E and covers approximately 10,500 km².
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10. The Reserve harbours marine biodiversity of global significance and is renowned for
its coral reef, sea grass and algal communities. These habitats provide excellent
foraging habitat for marine turtles and green, olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead and
leatherback turtles have all been recorded there. The islets and coastal buffer zone
also include beaches, estuaries, salt marshes, mangroves and tropical dry broadleaf
forests.
The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve was established by the Government of
India and the State of Tamil Nadu in 1989 and was the first marine protected area to
be declared in South and South East Asia. The Reserve consists of a chain of 21
islets lying off Tamil Nadu on the southeast coast of India between 8º 45' N and 9º
25' N and 78º 05' E and 79º 30' E and covers approximately 10,500 km².
Sea turtle tracking map
http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/maps/thumb/64698.gif
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11. The Reserve harbours marine biodiversity of global significance and is renowned for
its coral reef, sea grass and algal communities. These habitats provide excellent
foraging habitat for marine turtles and green, olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead and
leatherback turtles have all been recorded there. The islets and coastal buffer zone
also include beaches, estuaries, salt marshes, mangroves and tropical dry broadleaf
forests.
http://www.mcsuk.org/marineworld/trackturtle/gulf+of+mannar+biosphere+reserve
RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere
Reserve Gulf of Mannar is the first Marine
Biosphere Reserve not only in
India, but also in south and
southeast Asia. The IUCN
Commission on National Parks and
WWF, identified the Reserve as
being an area of” “Particulars
concern” given its diversity and
special multiple- use management
status. In addition, as the first
marine biosphere reserve declared
in India, this area has long been a
national priority.
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12. The Gulf of Mannar and its 3,600 Species of flora and fauna is one of the biologically
richest coastal regions in all of
mainland of India. Some of the
islands are veritable “Biologist’s
paradise”’
It is equally rich
in sea-algae, sea grasses, coral
reef pearl banks, fin & shell fish
resources, mangroves, and
endemic & endangered species. It
is an important habitat for the
highly endangered sea mammal,
the Dugong dugon commonly
called as sea cow.
There are 137 species of Corals found in
Gulf of Mannar. The Coral come in myriads of
shapes. Some have finger like branches and
others dome-shaped colony with a net work
of ridges and furrows.
Sponges, although at casual glance look like
plants, are animals, living singly or in colonies of many individuals. Their colours vary
as much as shape, being green, red, yellow, and even black or white. In the
crevices, these sponges are found with many animals, ranging from tiny crabs and
brittle star to bivalve mollusks. 275 species under 8 orders are found in Gulf of
Mannar.
The Gulf of Mannar (GoM) (Fig.1), which is the first Marine Biosphere
Reserves established in India, lies between India and Sri Lanka, and covers an
area of about 10,500 sq.km. It includes 21 coral islands located between 8º 46’
and 9º 14’ N latitude and 78º 9’ and 79º 14’ E longitude. Each island has its
unique characteristics, surrounded by coral reefs with rich faunal and floral
diversity. There 104 coral species recorded in GoM (Patterson et.al., 2004). Coral
reefs are the most diversified and complex marine ecosystems, and the reefs of
GoM are one of the greatest natural treasures. The islands in the Gulf of Mannar
are classified into 4 major groups:-
1. Mandapam Group (7 islands) : Musal, Manoli, Manoliputti, and
Poomarichan Pullivasal, Krusadai and Shingle.
2. Keezhakkarai group (7 islands): Yaanaipar, Vallimunai,
Poovarasanputti, Appa, Thalaiyari, Vaalai and Mulli.
3. Vembar Group (3 islands): Upputhanni, Pulivinichalli and Nallathanni.
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13. 4. Tuticorin Group (4 islands): Vaan, Koswari, Kariyachalli and
Velanguchalli.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Rapid assessment of status of corals in Gulf of Mannar after the
•
tsunami.
To compare the data with earlier available baseline information to
•
assess the impacts of tsunami on the degree of cover, and composition of live
corals and associated benthic organisms, and selected physico-chemical
parameters.
General observations:
No significant damage to status of corals;
•
The water was clear without turbid nature;
•
No unusual water currents;
•
Due to strong waves during tsunami few table corals (Acropora
•
cytherea) were tilted and few branches of another species (Acropora intermedia)
broken;
Gravel sand seafloor near the reef area was replaced by about 1 cm
•
thick fine sand.
No sand or other debris deposited on the branching and massive
•
corals; and
No impact on sea grass beds near the reef areas, but due to strong
•
wave action more sea grass fragments were washed ashore.
REMARKS
In general, Tsunami impact has been observed in the coastal region in Gulf
of Mannar. However, no significant impact was noticed on reefs, associated habitat
and resources in Gulf of Mannar except minor transitional damages.
REFERENCES
1. English. S, Wilkinson. C, Baker. V (eds). 1997. Survey manual for Tropical
Marine Resources. Published by Australian Institute of Marine Science: 390 pp.
2. J.K. Patterson Edward, Jamila Patterson, M. Venkatesh, G. Mathews, C.
Chellaram and Dan Wilhelmsson (2004). A field guide to stony corals (Scleractinia) of
Tuticorin in Gulf of Mannar, Southeast India, 80 pp.
http://www.ramnad.tn.nic.in/biosphere.htm
http://sethusamudram.gov.in/PeterArticle.asp
CORAL REEFS DISTRIBUTION
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14. (GULF OF MANNAR)
Geomorphology:
The Gulf of Mannar has a chain of 20 islands located between 8 º 48' N, 78 º 9' E
and 9 º 14' N, 79 º 14' E on the southwest coast of India
Reef Structure and Corals:
All islands in the Gulf of Mannar have fringing reefs. In addition, there is a 8 km long
reef in the Palk Bay adjacent to the Gulf of Mannar, as well as patching coral
formation in the passage (Adam's Bridge) between India and Sri Lanka.
Noteworthy Fauna and Flora:
The Gulf of Mannar is particularly important for Green turtle and sea cow population,
both of which depend on the large seagrass beds particularly around Musal, Appa
and Balayamunai islands. Olive Ridley turtle is also occasionally found in this area.
The pro-chordate Balanoglossus is found in the northern reefs.
Mangroves are found on all islands and are particularly extensive in the Mandapam
group.
Status of Reef & disturbance / deficiencies:
The high turbidity of the water due to large scale coral mining and coastal erosion
from mainland cause deterioration of the reefs.
Exploitation of coral & shells for lime industries and hunting of dugong & turtles is
still prevalent.
Socio-economics:
Most of the islands have no freshwater and are therefore uninhabited. The most
productive chank and pearl oyster beds in India are found near Tuticorin and
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15. Kilakarai. The Windowpane oyster Placuna placenta is also found in the same area.
Large quantities of molluscan shells for the ornamental trade are collected in this
area. Recently, native people of this area have begun developing tourism also.
Chank or turbinella pyrum (a species unique to Gulf of Mannar and Indian coastline.
The species occurs only here and NOWHERE else in the world. This is a 8500 year-
old industry. At Kilakkarai, the chank are procured by West Bengal Handicrafts
Development Corporation.)
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16. http://envfor.nic.in/report/0102/ar-fig30.jpg
http://envfor.nic.in/icrmn/dist/mannar.html
Coral reefs at Mandapam near Kurusadai island in the Gulf of Mannar.
Often referred to as a quot;biologist's paradisequot; Kurusadai island is said to exemplify the
biological wealth of the Gulf of Mannar. The island is noted for the presence of a
unique endemic organism called quot;balanoglossusquot; (Ptychodera flava), a taxonomically
unique quot;living fossilquot; that links vertebrates and invertebrates.
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17. A sea anemone in Kurusadai.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2006/stories/20030328001206500.htm
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18. Gulf of Mannar coral reef http://sethusamudram.gov.in/PeterArticle.asp
Coral reef at northeast of Single island
“Along the coast of Gulf of Mannar, sea cliffs have been observed in Mandapam, Rameswaram,
Pudumatam and Appa Island coastal areas. Generally the sea cliff and caves are made up of
calcareous sandstone and located at the high water level. Due to intensive action of waves on
cliffs at some places sea caves are formed. Such caves have been observed near Mandapam
coastal area and Southwestern and Southern coastal areas of Appa Island. At some places,
these features have been destroyed due to slumping of upper cliff materials.” (Source:
http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/geology/geomorphology/ma06_259a.htm )
Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park
A sanctuary with a difference, the Gulf of Mannar, falling in the Indo-Pacific
region is said to hold one of the world's richest biological resources.
http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/11/20/stories/2006112000010300.htm
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19. http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/geology/geomorphology/ma06_259a.ht
m
Habitats of seacow (Dugong-Dugon) http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Images/Map6.jpg
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20. Habitats of Sea grass http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Images/Map7.jpg
Source: World atlas of seagrasses [Fig. 9.1
notes Abundance of seagrass species at various depths in the Gulf of Mannar
(southeast coast)] http://www.unep-wcmc.org/marine/seagrassatlas/I/Thalassia.jpg
GULF OF MANNAR BIOSPHERE RESERVE
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21. State : Tamil Nadu
Area : 10,500 sq. km.
Endemic Flora : Morning glory, Jatropha, Halophila grass
Endemic Fauna : Sea Cow, Sea Anemone, Sea fans
The Gulf of Mannar reserve is the first marine Biosphere Reserve
established in India and is situated along the southern coast of Tamilnadu.
The Biosphere Reserve includes the Gulf, the adjoining coasts and also the small
islands dotting the gulf. The reserve also includes a Marine National Park.
Flora
About 160 species of algae have been recorded here
of which some 30 species are edible seaweeds. The
area is also rich in sea grasses which provide food for
sea mammals, particularly the dugong. The mangrove
vegetation of the islands consists of species of
Rhizophora (Red mangrove), Avicennia (Black
mangrove) , Bruguieria (Large-leaved orange
mangrove), Ceriops (Tagal mangrove) and
Lumnitzera (Sandy mangrove). About 46 species of
plants are endemic to Gulf of Mannar.
Fauna
The Gulf area has beautiful coral reefs that harbour a wide variety of marine
vegetation and animals. Productive beds of pearl oysters, prawn species, edible
bivalves, sea anemones, ascidarians and the sea cow (Dugong dugon) occur in the
Reserve.
Among the fauna, the invertebrates are
represented by 280 species of sponges, 92
species of corals, 22 species of sea fans, 160
species of polychaetes, 35 species of prawns,
17 species of crabs, 7 species of lobsters, 17
species of cephalopods and 103 species of
echinoderms.
Threats
Illegal coral mining for cement industries and
indiscriminate collection of sea grass is the
main threat to the reserve. 65% of the existing coral reefs in the area are dead,
mostly due to human interference.
http://www.cpreec.org/04_phamplets/21_biosphere%20reserves/biosphere%20reserve.ht
m
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22. Coral in the Gulf of Mannar
http://ecoclub.com/news/059/ecofocus.jpg
Pamban island in the Gulf of Mannar. This region has some of the most important coral reefs off
the mainland coast of India [STS033-76-60, 1989].
http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/newsletter/CoralReefs/
What Alignment 4 means:
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23. 23

24. Malabar Bowen map (1747) drawn by Netherlands shows Ramarcoil I (that is, Rama temple).
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25. Map drawn by Joseph Parks, Australian Botanical explorer (1788) shows Ramar Bridge (Map in
Sarasvati Mahal Lib., Thanjavur)
Map of 1804, by James Rennel, First Surveyor General of India, renamed Ramar Bridge as
Adam’s bridge
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26. Source: Asiatic Society, 1799, Asiatick Researches: Or, Transactions of the Society Instituted in
Bengal, P. 52 refers to the bridge called Setband (alt. spelling, setuband like Allahband; setu-
bandha), broken in 3 places. It also notes “The people call it a bridge; or otherwise it appears to
have wood growing on it, and to be inhabited.”
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27. Religious and cultural sites, 8th-12th centuries
http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/pager.html?object=071 Schwartzberg Atlas, p.
34.
Islamic expansion and changing Western views of South Asia, 7th-12th centuries
http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/pager.html?object=070 Schwartzberg Atlas, v. ,
p. 33.
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28. Setupati coinage, 16th and 17th century Obverse: Sri
Ganapati, seated.Reverse, in Tamil, Se-Tu-Pa-(Ti missing).
(Nagaswamy R. 1979. Thiruttani and Velanjeri Copper
Plates. State Dept. Of Archaeology, Tamilnadu. Madras.
See: L’Hernault F. 1978. L’Iconographie de Subrahmanya
au Tamilnad, Institut Francais d’ Indologie. Pondichery,
p.111, ph. 63.) The copper plates indicate that
Aparajitavarman went to Setutirtha. Parantaka Chola
th
offers setutirthasnaanam and tulaabhaaram – 10
century).
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