Coral reef mining has caused two small islands in South Asia

bio-invasion:The exotic seaweed seen on Krusadai Island.
CHENNAI: Coral colonies in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve are facing serious threat from an invasive seaweed, which is spreading rapidly, say marine researchers, who are worried about the phenomenon.

The bio-invasion by the sea weed, Kappaphycus alvarezii, was spread over only 10 square metres in 2008 in three islands

RAMANATHAPURAM: Mystery shrouds the death of birds, including Pelicans, an endangered migratory species, at Sakkarakottai tank here.

Forest officials of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GMMNP), ornithologists and veterinarians visited the spot on Sunday based on information that some birds were found dead in the tank.

As many as 10 Olive Ridley turtles have been hatched at Mandapam near here.

The first of the 107 eggs, which were collected and kept in a natural environment on January 5 by the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GMMNP) officials, hatched at 5.45 a.m. on Tuesday.

Introduction of non-indigenous alien species is being reported nowadays as
one of the most serious and potential sources of stress to the marine systems. They cause disruptions of native communities and detrimental economic impacts on fisheries in many temperate marine
areas.

The staff of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park have rescued a sea turtle weighing 40 kg when it reached Therkk u va d i s e a s h o re, n e a r Mandapam, for laying eggs on Wednesday.

This was the first time that a sea turtle had waded ashore to lay eggs in a dense area after 1977 and the turtle laid 107 healthy eggs.

A large number of people and fishermen watched the phenomenon.

The eg

Nagercoil: The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2010 as the International year of biodiversity in its 61st session in 2006 to help create awareness of the importance of biodiversity through activities and events.

S M Arun | ENS

HUMAN ACTIVITY HITS TURTLE NESTING SITES IN MANNAR

THE drastic decline in turtle nesting sites in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM) due to various factors and complete lack of awareness among fishermen, has taken a serious turn as presently, even sporadic nesting of turtles could not be spotted, according to marine biologists.

The turtle nesting sites were earlier spotted in Manapa

S Raja | ENS
Ramanathapuram

THE Gulf of Mannar National Marine Park (GOMNMP) has decided to erect thatched monitoring sheds in all fish landing centres in the district.

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMBRT) is functioning as an implementing agency for the government and it arranges training for youths and girls belonging to the fishermen community.

Meanwhile, some fisherme

Vocational training to be given for fishermen

Conservation measures:A team of United Nations Development Programme, New Delhi, at Kurusadai Island in Gulf of Mannar near Mandapam on Thursday.

KURUSADAI ISLAND (GULF OF MANNAR): R.

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