Bibliography of the Gulf of Mannar

Abstract

The Gulf of Mannar has a chain of 21 islands (area of each island : 0.95 to 130 ha) along the 140 km stretch between Tuticorin and Rameswaram (Lat 8°55'-9°15'N and Long 78°0'-79°16'E) (Figs.l&2). They have fringing coral reefs and patch reefs rising from shallower areas of sea-shore. Fringing reefs are located n^ostly at a distance of 50-100 m from the islands and are narrow. Patch reefs arise from depti/is of 3 to 5 fathoms and are 1-2 km in length with widths of as much as 50 meters. These coral reefs have a rich variety of food fishes and ornamental fishes of various dimensions, colours and designs. The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve (GOMMBR) is the India's firstj Maiiline National Park. The Biosphere includes the microecosystems of coral reefs, rocks, seaweeds, seagrasses, each supporting its own characteristic commvmity structures and zonations. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, is the last preserve of the dugong, the most endangered mammal on earth. The area of the Gulf of Mannar under the Indian EEZ is about 15,000 sq. km-, where commercial fishing takesplace in about 5500 sq.km (upto 50 m depth). The deptli of the Gulf of Mannar beyond the island chain ranged from 3.5 to 15 m with a preciptous fall giving oceanic condition to the coastal areas. This ecosystem supports a wide spectra of flora and fauna of taxonomic and economic importance. They comprise of 128 species of corals, 641 species of crustaceans, 731 species of moUuscs, 441 species of finfishes, 147 species seaweeds and 52 species of seagrasses besides seasonally migratory marine mammals like whales, dolphines, porpoises, cirrious dugongs and aU the species of turtles. This habitat holds vast patches of mangroves belonging to 9 species of vegetation along witli flie supporting faima.