CPF PROTESTS MAKE THE OFFICIALS TO RESPOND

Ramanathapuram

Buoys to be laid in Gulf of Mannar: Collector

Special Correspondent
Move will in no way affect prospects of fishermen
— Photo: L. Balachandar.

FOR rare marine species:Ramanathapuram Collector T.N. Hariharan, right, along with revenue and forest officials at the Kurusadai island on Wednesday.
RAMANATHAPURAM: The Forest Department would go ahead with the proposal to lay buoys in Gulf of Mannar so as to demarcate the protected area, said Collector T.N. Hariharan.

He made the announcement on Wednesday after undertaking a visit to the Kurusadai island in the Gulf of Mannar accompanied by Sundarakumar, Warden, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, and K. Balasubramanian, District Revenue Officer.

Mr. Hariharan said though the Gulf of Mannar Marine Reserve had extended to an area of about 10,500 square km, 560 square km was specified as protected area under the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, as this area largely has rare marine species, including corals, whales, sea cucumbers etc,. The imported buoys would be floated only along 560 square km from Rameswaram to Tuticorin. Around 500 buoys would be laid at a distance of 500 meters each.

Mr. Sundarakumar said that it (plan of floating buoys) was not a new one. It had been felt since the start of conservation programme in 1986 in the Gulf of Mannar. The plan, which was financially supported by the Global Environment Facility of the United Nations Development Programme, had now come to the level of execution.

He added that it would in no way affect the prospects of fishermen. Buoys were to indicate the core zone area, which, generally, should be avoided.

There was no ban for the fishermen on passing through the core zone. The restriction was that they should not cast nets in the protected area.

Mr. Hariharan said the protected area was negligible when compared to the huge area for fishing in the Gulf of Mannar.

The aim was to protect the protected species.