In a significant endeavor to bolster marine biodiversity and conservation efforts, India’s Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has embarked on an ambitious project aimed at reviving the dolphin habitat. The State Forest Department, in collaboration with esteemed research institutions nationwide, has launched ‘Project Dolphin’ to restore and preserve the delicate ecosystem within this precious marine reserve.
Under the auspices of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, the project earmarks nine acres of the biosphere reserve for critical restoration activities. The core focus of this initiative involves the deployment of artificial coral reefs and the strategic transplantation of corals, vital to the sustenance of the region’s diverse marine life.
Concrete structures made from reinforced cement will serve as the foundation for fostering the natural growth of corals. Twenty distinguished institutions, including the Wildlife Institute of India, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zoological Survey of India, and MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, have been invited to participate actively in this multifaceted endeavor.
The success of this restoration effort hinges on the innovative designs of artificial substrates, meticulously crafted by the Suganthi Devadasan Marine Research Institute (SDMRI). These substrates, comprising concrete frames of specific dimensions, have shown promising results during experimental phases in the Gulf of Mannar. They serve as platforms to anchor coral fragments before placement on the sea floor.
Crucially, the transplantation process strictly adheres to the utilization of native coral species sourced from the same reef region. This conscientious approach ensures the preservation of genetic integrity and biodiversity within the Gulf of Mannar.
Beyond the preservation of dolphins, ‘Project Dolphin’ encompasses a comprehensive strategy. It aims to fortify anti-poaching measures, enhance surveillance and patrolling through advanced technology, and strengthen veterinary services for rescue and rehabilitation activities.
Moreover, the initiative encompasses broader goals encompassing the holistic restoration of the coastal ecosystem. Activities include the revitalization of mangroves, corals, sea grass, and efforts to curtail pollution. The initiative also aims to amplify awareness through events such as the inaugural “National Dolphin Day” and the establishment of a ‘Dolphin Scholarship’.
In a bid to bolster eco-tourism, plans are underway to construct a canopy walk at Kurusadai Island within the Mandapam range, enhancing visitor experiences while fostering an understanding of the delicate balance of nature.
The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve’s ambitious restoration project stands as a testament to India’s commitment to environmental conservation and underscores the collective responsibility of nations worldwide in safeguarding our planet’s precious ecosystems.
This initiative beckons travelers and conservation enthusiasts worldwide to witness and support these commendable efforts towards a sustainable and thriving marine habitat in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
