Marine park installing CCTVs, strengthening security on coast

RAMANATHAPURAM: Concerned over frequent detection of carcasses of various marine species, illegal fishing methods and discharge of effluents, the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is installing CCTVs and beefing up security along the coast in a bid to check dwindling numbers.

One of the biggest such species washed ashore recently was that of a 250 kg 'sea pig'. Besides, carcasses of dolphins and whales are also found at regular intervals at the park, South East Asia's first marine biosphere reserve.

Officials said a recent survey carried out by the park had revealed that use of explosives and banned nets to snare fish and discharge of effluents from factories near shore have led to the death of marine species.

There has also been a depletion in the population of sea cucumber, seaweeds, coral reefs, sea snake, parrot fish, clown fish, crabs, corals and porpoises, officials said.

Besides poachers were also playing havoc and so it was decided to install better monitoring systems to prevent sea poaching.

The marine park will also monitor effluent discharge, including quantity of oil leak and chemicals, the officials said, adding, they hoped better monitoring would help bring down poaching and control the pollution.

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park has a core area of about 560 sq km from Rameswaram to Tutucorin on the south-east coast of India.

It is one of the world's richest regions from marine bio diversity perspective.

The Biosphere reserve comprises 21 islands with estuaries, mudflats, beaches, forests of the near shore environment, including marine components like algal communities, sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves.