Kariyachalli coral restoration at Gulf of Mannar Bio sphere Reserve

Saving Kariyachalli – Restoring a Marine Heritage

Gulf of Mannar – one of India’s richest marine ecosystems.
A chain of 21 uninhabited coral islands runs parallel to the mainland, where coral reefs and seagrass meadows shelter marine life and protect the coast from erosion.

But rising seas and past coral mining have weakened this natural shield.
Islands began to erode. Two are already vanished.

Kariyachalli Island has shrunk from 20.85 hectares in 1969 to just over 3 hectares today.
Without urgent action, it could disappear by 2036.

Now, restoration is underway by the standardized artificial reef deployment method with technical support from IIT Madras and SDMRI.

Through the World Bank–funded TN-SHORE project, about 8,500 specially designed artificial reef modules will deflect waves, restore corals, and revive fish life.

Coral reefs and seagrasses are powerful allies against climate change.

Two acres of coral reefs and three acres of seagrass are also being restored near the island.

By restoring Kariyachalli Island and critical coastal habitats, we protect the Island, biodiversity, livelihoods… and the future of our coast and people.

End Title Card:
Supported by TN-SHORE | Executed by Tamil Nadu Forest Department | Implemented by SDMRI in Collaboration with IIT Madras