It extends to about 300 km between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi; there are 3,600 marine species in the area Ramanathapuram THE increasing growth of coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar region proves that the measures taken to check mining of coral has paid dividends. A recent study by experts has shown that coral reef was growing in 3.7 sq km area in the National Marine Park. The coral reef extends to about 300 km between Rameswaram and Thoothkudi. There are about 3,600 marine species found in the area and 117 varieties of coral reef in the Gulf of Mannar. Coral reef mining has been going on for a number of decades in the region. Since coral reef is the breeding ground for fish and other marine species, the mindless exploitation of the reef has had a detrimental effect on the marine ecology. The Government had launched the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust(GOMBORT) to protect the marine species and coral reef. A team from GOMBORT had been engaged in creating awareness among fishermen on the significance of coral reef. In order to provide alternative sources of income, fishermen were being given training in nursing, mat making and computer operation. This has helped to prevent mining of coral reef around the 21 islands, including Hare Island, Kurusadai Island and Nallathani Island located between Thoothukudi and Mandapam. The expansion of the reef was noticed during a recent study by Suganthi Devadasan of Marine Research Institute, Thoothukudi. This has also promoted spawning of fish, the study has revealed. Naganathan, Eco Development Officer, GOMBRT, told Express that a serious effort was being made to contain the exploitation of coral reef in the Gulf of Mannar area.