How are the islands in the Gulf of Mannar being saved?

Artificial reefs made of ferro-cement and steel are being deployed to reduce erosion, and seagrass beds are being planted to slow ocean currents and enhance biodiversity.

What is the significance of Kariyachalli island?

Kariyachalli is part of South East Asia's first marine biosphere reserve and acts as a natural barrier protecting the mainland coast from storms and tsunamis.

What is the cost of saving Kariyachalli island?

A budget of ₹50 crore has been earmarked for the project to save Kariyachalli island from disappearing.

Home / Environment / Artificial Reefs Fight Back Against Island Erosion

Artificial Reefs Fight Back Against Island Erosion

17 Jan

•

Summary

Islands protect mainland coasts from storms and tsunamis.
Kariyachalli has lost 71.37% of its landmass since 1969.
Artificial reefs and seagrass planting aim to restore islands.

Artificial Reefs Fight Back Against Island Erosion

The islands of the Gulf of Mannar, crucial for coastal protection and marine biodiversity, face an existential threat as two of the 23 have vanished. Kariyachalli, an island vital to the region's marine biosphere reserve, has shrunk dramatically, losing 71.37% of its landmass since 1969 and projected to disappear by 2036. To counteract this severe erosion, a significant intervention has commenced, involving the deployment of approximately 8,500 artificial reef modules.

These artificial reefs, constructed from ferro-cement and steel, are strategically designed based on local bathymetry to dampen wave forces and arrest land loss. Complementing the reefs, seagrass beds will be planted to further slow ocean currents and enhance biodiversity, benefiting endangered species like dugongs. The entire restoration process, including reef placement and seagrass planting, is anticipated to take about 18 months, with continuous monitoring planned for at least five years post-completion.