GULF OF MANNAR
The Last Pristine Refuge in the South
The studies of human impact on global oceans have just been released. They suggest that the current patterns of development have produced areas, which have in effect become ‘dead zones’ where life just persists. In other cases the condition of coral reefs, sea grass ecosystems and coastal mangroves provide the indicators of the level of degradation. Studies by the University of California and Stanford University have demonstrated the rate of loss and mapped this loss globally.
The map above also indicates other concerns with the loss of ocean ecosystem quality; these are, increasing industrial and urban pollution. These follow zones considered areas of high development.
In South Asia the toxic ring that encircles the southern part of India and Sri Lanka is clearly seen. In area renown for its unique biodiversity, this is a matter of urgent concern. Serendipitously, within this ring, lies an ocean zone unimpacted due to a variety of reasons, cultural, political, and economic. The area called the Gulf of Mannar (GOM) is the last pristine refuge in the South.
By Dr. Ranil Senanayake, Sri Lanka
Systems Ecologist, Marine Archeologist
Thinking Green 