'Protect, conserve submerged reefs off Mangaluru coast'

Fisheries College Dean Dr A Senthil Vel said he will approach Indian Coast Guards seeking conservation and protection of submerged reefs (coral), located around 120 nautical miles (220 kms) away from Mangaluru coast.

Vel informed that he had received information that 80 to 100 fishing boats from the neighbouring states with dangerous fishing gears, including extremely destructive fishing nets, were exploiting endangered and scheduled animals along the reefs of Karnataka coast.

He says as per the Survey of India (SoI) map, the submerged reefs were named 'Bassas De Pedra', 'Cora Divh' and 'Sesostris Bank'.

"These submerged reefs may be an extension of Lakshadweep islands towards the north from Lakshadweep waters," Vel added.

Some of the catches which have not been recorded along the Karnataka coast are being observed along these reefs. These reefs are home to endangered species like sharks, spotted skates and rays, lobsters and shells which are listed under Schedule 1 of Wild Life Protection Act, he said.

Submerged reefs from the topo map are located at the height of around 40m to 50m from the sea bed. Such submerged reefs also act as breeding and spawning areas for many commercially important fish and shellfish, including mollusks and starfish. The reef includes seaweeds and sea fans. "These areas had not been explored so far. Fishing communities from other states have begun fishing in this neglected area," the Dean said.

"As these fishes are not popular among consumers, fishermen were selling these fishes for as low as Rs 100 to Rs 130 per kg. Further, the shells which are pretty big in size and are under Schedule 1 of the Wild Life Protection Act were being sold for Rs 50 to Rs 100 per piece. If reefs are overexploited, they will become barren and the rich biodiversity will be totally destroyed," Senthil warned.

He said under Chapter III Duties and Functions of The Coast Guard Para 14 (2)(c), Indian Coast Guard Act 1978, the Indian Coast Guard has jurisdiction to enforce the laws. Indian Coast Guard can implement provisions for prohibiting exploitation in ecologically sensitive areas within the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). He said Coastal Security Police and fishing department need to inspect the area and take stock of the situation.

Vel also intends to urge the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to notify these groups of submerged reefs as ecologically sensitive and treat them on par with Lakshadweep islands and eco-sensitive areas under Wild Life Protection Act.