The Hindu : Front Page : Monograph on soft corals to be prepared

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 10, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Monograph on soft corals to be prepared

R. Vimal Kumar

In the Gulf of Mannar
Before December 31, 2008

Tuticorin: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GoMBRT) has planned to prepare the “first ever” monograph on soft corals in the Gulf of Mannar, before December 31, 2008.

Speaking to The Hindu, V.K. Melkani, Chief Conservator of Forest and Director of GoMBRT, said that the document would be prepared with the funding support of GEF-UNDP (Global Environmental facility-United Nations Development Programme).

The studies for the preparation of the text will be carried out by the Trust with technical assistance from the Institute of Environmental Research and Social Education (IERSE), Nagercoil, and Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), Tuticorin.

The IERSE has been assigned the study of soft corals around the Keezhakarai group of islands (Valimunai, Anaipar, Poovarasanpati, Appa, Thalairi, Valai and Mulli) and the Vembar group of islands (Upputhanni, Pulivinichalli and Nallathanni), in the Mannar.

Meanwhile, the SDMRI will conduct the study on status of soft corals around the Mandapam group of islands (Shingle, Pullivasal, Poomarichan, Manoliputti, Manoli and Hare), and Tuticorin group of islands (Vaan, Koswari, Villanguchalli and Kariyachalli).

J. K. Patterson Edward, Director, SDMRI, said that ‘field level’ study of soft corals would be carried out using Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method, with the help of SCUBA divers.

“The inter relationship of soft and hard corals too will be studied, which will be useful for overall management of coral reef ecosystem in the Mannar biosphere,” he added.

Conservation techniques

Mr. Melkani said that the manuscript would contain an inventory of soft corals and its associated habitats, extent of coverage, diversity, abindance, and prevailing threats to the species.

“It will also recommend future management strategies to various stakeholders involved in coral conservation activities in the Mannar region,” he added.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page