Tiruchi: Kachchatheevu, the only island among the group of 22 islands located in the Gulf of Mannar, is under the control of Sri Lanka. It has an abundance of coral reefs which are conducive to the nourishment and breeding of marine ecosystems like rainforests, which will help in creating a favourable torrential ecosystem for birds and animals. Kachchatheevu is an uninhabited island of 285 acres in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, located about 33 km northeast of Rameswaram, off the Indian coast, and about 62 km southwest of Jaffna, on the northern tip of Sri Lanka. Kachchatheevu is not suitable for permanent human settlement as there is no source of drinking water on the island. However, a senior researcher from Marine Resources said that about 1,400 species of 120 families are available in the Gulf of Mannar, and about 800 species of them are present in Kachchatheevu island. “There are about 22 islands in the Gulf of Mannar, and Kachchatheevu is the only island that is controlled by Sri Lanka, while the others are under the control of India, which are restricted islands,” the researcher said. Some of the notable fish found there include silverbelly, croaker, goatfish, emperor, snapper, bluefin tuna, mackerel, sardines, and grouper. In addition, other species such as threadfin bream, flatfish, rabbitfish, pomfret, whitefish, terapons, and catfish are also found. The area is also home to seahorses and pipefish. The researcher further added that the abundant presence of coral reefs in the island is very suitable for breeding, and thus, the island has rich marine resources. Since fishing activities off Sri Lanka are limited, marine resources do not harm Kachchatheevu. “However, the use of trawlers poses a threat to the marine ecosystem,” he added. Meanwhile, Professor G Emmanuel of the Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University said that coral reefs are living structures of marine biodiversity for various marine species. “Apart from fishing activities, these coral reefs play a vital role in coastal protection. But due to climate change and pollution, the life of these reefs is under threat. Among these, destructive fishing practices like bottom line trawling are the biggest threat to them, which will affect the entire marine ecosystem, and the government should ensure that the marine environment is protected,” Emmanuel said. He also said that the government should take steps to educate fishermen about the importance of coral reefs, which are essential for breeding of marine species. “With the assurance of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen, fishing activities can be allowed,” he stressed. Fish varieties available in Gulf of Mannar: Silverbellies, Croakers, Goatfish, Emperors, Snappers, Bluefin Tuna, Mackerels, Sardines, Groupers, Threadfin Breams, Flatfish, Rabbitfish, Pomfrets, Whitefish, Terrapons and Catfish.
Tamil Nadu: Importance of Kachchatheevu for fishing activities
