Coral Restoration Efforts Revive Dying Reefs in India's Gulf of Mannar

In 2025, a dedicated team of scientists from the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has been leading a remarkable effort to revive the dying coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar. Over the past two decades, the team has been scuba-diving and scrubbing the ocean floor, conducting annual surveys and implementing innovative restoration techniques.

The scientists have faced numerous challenges, including unstable substrates and strong currents that caused dislocation and fragmentation of artificial structures. However, they have persevered, using concrete frames and various types of artificial reef modules to provide a stable foundation for coral growth. By transplanting over 51,000 coral fragments of 20 different species, they have managed to restore an approximate area of 40,000 square meters of degraded reefs in the Gulf of Mannar.

The results of their efforts have been promising. In the restored sites, the live coral cover increased from 2.7% in 2006 to 18.8% in 2020, while the unrestored sites saw only a meager increase to 1.8% during the same period. The density of coral recruits and fish species has also increased significantly in the restored areas, indicating a thriving marine ecosystem.

The Tamil Nadu government has now launched a comprehensive restoration initiative under the Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources (TNSHORE) project, aiming to protect and restore the Kariyachalli Island and its surrounding coral reefs and seagrass beds. This initiative is a testament to the success of the SDMRI team's efforts and their commitment to preserving these vital marine ecosystems for future generations.