Gulf of Mannar

The Gulf of Mannar is an arm of the Indian Ocean, lying between the southern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka at a width of between 160 and 200 km (100 to 125 mi). A chain of low islands and reefs known as Rama's Bridge separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait, which lies to the north between India and Sri Lanka. The gulf receives the Tambraparni River from the coast of India and the Aruvi Aru from the coast of Sri Lanka.

Located on the southeastern tip of the subcontinent, the Gulf of Mannar is known to harbour over 3,600 species of flora and fauna, making it one of the richest coastal regions in Asia. 117 hard coral species have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar. Sea turtles are frequent visitors to the gulf as are sacred sharks, dugongs, and dolphins. However, the combined effects of 47 villages, with a total population of around 50,000 has meant that overharvesting of marine species has become a problem. Fish catches have declined, as have pearl oyster, gorgonian coral, and acorn worm populations. Local fishermen rely on the reef to feed their families, but destructive fishing methods combined with the stress of pollution and coral mining have meant both nearshore and offshore catches have decreased. Among the species that figure in the endangered list include dolphins, Dugongs (Dugong Dugon), whales and sea cucumbers.