Reef status in the Mandapam group of Islands, Gulf of Mannar

Abstract

Manoli Reef Complex (MRC) and Kurusadai Reef Complex (KRC) of the Gulf of Mannar, southeast coast of India were taken for this study to estimate the biophysical status of the coral reef ecosystems. This study was conducted between the years 2006 and 2008. About 25 sites all around the islands were chosen for this study. Among them, good Live Coral (LC) cover was recorded in fourteen sites. The other categories like Dead coral with algae, Exposed reef and Rubble, Seagrass, Algal assemblage, muddy flat and sandy flat were also considered in this study. The estimated sedimentation rate of this area was higher in seaward sides than the shoreward sides.