Tamil Nadu - Ramanathapuram   

“Preserve ecology of Gulf of Mannar”

RAMANATHAPURAM: The Minister for Slum Clearance S. Thangavelan has called upon the people living in coastal areas to preserve the ecology of Gulf of Mannar.

Speaking at a function held here on Wednesday on the occasion of the Wildlife Week celebration, the gulf had more than 3,600 marine species, including highly endangered species, such as whales, turtles, corals, sea cucumbers among others. It was one of the few richest marine reserves in the world.

However, the region had been facing a threat from various quarters because of lack of knowledge about marine resources and the importance of preserving the ecology of the region. Even a section of the educated persons did not know much about marine resources.

It was true that sea food was an important component for the food of human. But, a section of fishermen were using some illegal methods of fishing, causing extensive damage to marine life and endangered species. Coral reefs had been playing as a role of breeding ground for fishes and others. Hence, it was important to create awareness against the practice of destructing corals.

The Government had banned hunting of 56 endangered marine animals in order to maintain the ecology. Hence the fishermen should cooperate with the Government’s endeavour.

The Collector, R. Kirlosh Kumar said over exploitation and destruction of marine resources would lead to the depletion of livelihood resources for fishermen. Dugong Dugon, whales, dolphins and others were equivalent to tigers or elephants. Hence, the people should treat the marine animals as equivalent to the animals living in plain forest.

V.K. Melkani, Director, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, said it had been implementing several new schemes to create awareness among fisherfolk and to create alternative employment opportunities.

H. Mallesappa, Conservator of Forest, V. Naganathan, Eco Development Officer, K. Hasan Ali and others spoke.

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