Forest dept’s efforts turn Kurusadai into marine hotspot

Nearly 21 islands form the group of islands in the Gulf of Mannar and out of the 21, seven islands are in the Pamban group. Kurusadai is one of the uninhabited islands located south of Pamban. The island was once under the control of Sethupathi Kings and then it went under the control of Maraikayars. Later, it turned into a haven for smugglers. The control of the island was then passed on to the Fisheries Department and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) was set up in the island. 

After the CMFRI office was shifted to Mandapam around 20 years ago, the control of the island was given to the Forest Department and since then the department has stepped up the conservation work in the island. Speaking to DT Next, Sathish, Mandapam Forest Ranger, said that Kurusadai Island is called the ‘Paradise of Marine Biologists.’ Rich and diverse marine species are found in the sea close to the island. Nearly, 13 types of marine products, 147 types of coral reefs, 150 varieties of migrant birds, 450 kinds of fishes, sea cows, sea horses, sea cucumbers and all five different types of sea turtles found in India are in the island. 

The island is part of the Gulf of Mannar National Park, which was the first marine national park formed in the entire South East Asia in 1986. Apart from smuggling, coral mining was rampant in the island earlier. After the Forest Department took over it, all the illegal activities had been stopped. The training for candidates, who had passed the Forest Conservator examination, is being given in the island and the trainees are exposed to some of the rare species. Even the probationary candidates, who had passed the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam, visit the island and undergo training. As far as conservation work is concerned, the Forest officials plant indigenous mangrove plant varieties and create calcium base substratum and artificial coral reefs to facilitate the growth of coral reefs.

Anti-poaching watchers had been stationed in the island. “Protection and conservation are the two eyes of Forest Department,” said Sathish.