I.

Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone – An Overview

1. Introduction
2. Population
3. Coastal Land use
4. Geomorphology and Coastal Oceanographic Features
5. Coastal Infrastructure, and Resources
6. Ports and Harbours
7. Urbanization and Habitats
8. River
9. Tourism
10. Energy
11. Fisheries and fishery infrastructure
12. Water Supply Infrastructure
13. Agriculture
14. Oil and Natural Gases
15. Minerals

II. Ecological important coastal areas of Tamil Nadu

1. Importance of Coastal Ecosystem

2. Marine resources of Tamil Nadu

III. Coastal biodiversity statistics of Tamil Nadu coast

1. Introduction:
2. Corals and coral reef associated organisms
3. Mangroves
4. Seagrass and seaweeds:
5. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR)

IV. Key Concerns of the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone

1. Coastal Erosion
2. Cyclones, Storm surges and Coastal Flooding
3. Sea Level Rise
4. Salt Water Intrusion
5. Pollution

V. Coastal Zone Management Plan of Tamil Nadu:

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
3. Coastal Regulation Zone and HTL
TAMIL NADU COASTAL ZONE – AN OVERVIEW

Introduction:

The Coastal Zone can physically and geographically be described as a corridor where
the land and adjacent ocean meet. Functionally, it is the area of interaction between land and
sea place. Ecologically, the coastal zone is an area of dynamic biological, hydraulic, geological
and chemical activities that support various human activities. This zone has been exploited by
mankind quite intensively leading to its degradation, and the main drivers of degradation being
population pressure, waste water disposal, destruction of mangroves, Increasing urbanization,
solid waste disposal, coastal constructions, natural disasters, operation of Ports, coastal
erosion, atmospheric pollution, aquaculture, tourism, ingress of sea water, coastal mining,
power plant operations, sea level rise and coastal highways. The Tamil Nadu coast has a length
of approximately 1000 km, from Ennore to Cape comorin in Kanyakumari district. The beaches,
historically important sites, mangroves and wild life sanctuaries at Pichavaaaraam, the Pulicat
lake, bird sanctuary at Point Calimere, are important sites that need to be preserved for
posterity. The intense agricultural and fishing activities, ports at Madras Tuticoran, Cuddalore,
Bagapattnam are major features of the Tamil Nadu coastal zone. Besides this, there are four
district headquarters along the coast and hundreds of villages and townships with the population
subsisting on sea-based economic activity. Where production, consumption, recreation and
exchange processes of climate change takes.

The Tamil Nadu coast is 1076 km long along the Bay of Bengal. The continental shelf
extends to about 41000 sq.km. The exclusive economic zone covers an area of 0.19 million
sq.km into the sea. The coastal part of the State covers an area of approximately 4456 sq.km.

Table.1 Coastal Information

Population:

The coast is along the eastern side of the State across 13 districts, the State capital
Chennai and the union territory of Puducherry lie along the coast line, having high population
density, which ranges from as low as 320 people per sq.km to more than 3000 people per
sq.km. The population density distribution is shown in Table.2.The other districts in Tamil Nadu
have population density varying between 300 to 800 persons per sq.km.

Table.2: Population density along the Tamil Nadu coast line

Coastal Land use:

The coastal region of the State falls into the following agro-climatic zones - North
Eastern Zone, Cauvery Delta Zone and Southern Zone. In terms of land use, the States coastal
zone is divided into 59 categories. Table 3 gives the area covered under each land use. As can
be seen, the coastal zone is dotted with habitations, industries, desalination plants, power
plants, Ports and mining operations, and airport amongst many other anthropogenic influences.
Table 3: Statistics for coastal land use of Tamil Nadu (2011 data)
Geomorphology and Coastal Oceanographic Features:

The coastline of Tamil Nadu comprises a number of cusps, spits and wave cut platforms
and several palaeo-shorelines. Some of the palaeoshorelines extend inland suggesting periods
of transgression and regression. The on-going geodynamic process is generally progradation
along the coast, which is modified at several places by erosion and deposition by aeolian and
fluvial agents. The eastern areas of the central part of the State are marked by the depositional
regime of many rivers manifested by typical fluvial features like levees, channel bars and palaeo
channels, back swamps and vast flood plains. The east coast of India experiences two phases
of stormy conditions during south west and north east monsoons, the south Tamil Nadu coast
comparatively less sediment transport due to the presence of shallow Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar
and the Sri Lanka Island. They significantly control the long shore sediment transport along the
south Tamil Nadu coast particularly form Kanyakumari to Tiruchendur region.
Coastal Infrastructure and Resources:

The States coast is not only rich in a variety of resources, but is also highly developed, with
extensive infrastructure assets.

Ports and Harbours:

The State has substantive Ports and harbour infrastructure. While major Ports are under the
control of the Government of India, minor Ports are under the control of Tamil Nadu Maritime
Board. Major Ports include Chennai Port, the third oldest Port among the 12 major Ports, V.O.
Chidambaranar Port (Thoothukudi Port), and Ennore Port. Minor Ports include Cuddalore and
Nagapattinam. Pamban Port, Thiruchopuram Port, Tirukkadaiyur Port, Punnakkayal Port,
Kanyakumari Port, Ennore Minor Port, PY-3 Oil Field (offshore Port), Rameswaram Port,
Valinokkam Port, Colachel Port, Kattupalli Port, Manappad Port, and the Kudankulam Port.

Urbanization and Habitats:

The State has several major urban agglomerations on the coast. Chennai, the capital City of
Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest Metropolitan City in India. Located on the Coromandel Coast off
the Bay of Bengal, it is a major commercial, cultural, and educational centre in South India.
Chennai has also witnessed unprecedented growth of population due to the development of
information technology, business process outsourcing, computer related activities in addition to
the already existing roles like location of the head of the government, concentration of various
service activities, successive Climate Change implementation of various government policies for
the development of small and medium industries, informal activities, development of
entrepreneurial activities etc. Cuddalore is located at the estuary of Gadilam and Ponnaiyar
river. It is a fast growing industrial city and headquarters of Cuddalore district and has a large
number of industries which employ large number of the city's population. Nagapattinam is a
town in Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Nagapattinam District. It is a
prominent sea Port on the east coast of India and an important centre of trade and commerce.
Sea borne trade and fishing are the major sources of income for the town.

River:

Kaduvayar runs near the town and joins in the Bay of Bengal near the Port. Thoothukudi
is also known as "Pearl City”. This city is also called as gateway of Tamil Nadu. The major
harbour of Thoothukudi is well known as a pearl diving and fishing centre. The rapid increase in
fisheries and industrial development led to the rapid urbanisation of this city. Kosasthalaiyar
River, also known as Kortalaiyar, is one of the three rivers that flow in the Chennai metropolitan
area. Kosasthalaiyar is 136-kilometre (85 mi) long and originates near pallipet in thiruvallur
District and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Its northern tributary Nagari river originates in Chitoor
district of Andhra Pradesh and joins the main river in the back waters of Poondy dam. Ennore
creek is a backwater located in Ennore, Chennai along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of
Bengal. It is located in the zone comprising lagoons with salt marshes and backwaters,
submerged under water during high tide and forming an arm of the sea with the opening to the
Bay of Bengal at the creek. The zone is spread over an area of 4 km2 , and the creek covers an
area of 2.25 km2 . It is located 20 km north of the city centre and 2.6 km south of the Ennore
Port, and the creek area stretches 3 km into the sea and 5 km along the coast. The creek is
nearly 400 m wide, elongated in northeast-southwest direction and merging with the backwater
bodies. The depth of the creek varies from 1 to 2 m and is shallow near the mouth. The north–
south trending channels of the creek connect it with the Pulicat Lake to the north and to the
distributaries of the Kosasthalaiyar River in the south. The northwestern part of the creek
merges with the tidal flats. The soil in the region is of loamy and alluvial types. Most of the area
consists of tracts of alluvial soil and the eastern region comprises beach dunes, tidal flats and
creek. The creek is oriented from west to east and opens into the Bay of Bengal to the east at
Ennore. The creek acts as an outlet for the excess water from the Poondi Reservoir. The creek
is part of the Pulicat water system, including the Pulicat lagoon and the Buckingham Canal. As
per the 1991 Coastal Regulation Zone notification, the entire Pulicat water system is designated
CRZ I. Adyar, originating near the Chembarambakkam Lake in Kanchipuram district, is one of
the three rivers which winds through Chennai (Madras), and joins the Bay of Bengal at the
Adyar Estuary. The 42.5-kilometre (26.4 mi) long river contributes to the estuarine ecosystem of
Chennai. Despite the high pollution levels, boating and fishing take place in this river. The river
collects surplus water from about 200 tanks and lakes, small streams and the rainwater drains
in the city, with a combined catchment area of 860 square kilometres (331 sq mi). Most of the
waste from the city is drained into this river and the Cooum.

Tourism:

The Tamil Nadu coast has lot of tourism potential sites; the tourism activities can be broadly
classified into recreational, religious, archaeological and monuments/memorials. The important
tourist hubs on the Tamil Nadu coast area are Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, and
Kanyakumari. Each of these gets large numbers of domestic and international visitors every
year.

Energy:

The States coast also hosts many major energy sector facilities including nuclear,
thermal and wind power installations. The Madras Atomic Power Station (Indra Gandhi Centre
for Atomic Research (IGCAR)) located at Kalpakkam about 80 km (50 miles) south of Chennai
on the Coromandal coast is India's first fully indigenously constructed nuclear power station
under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. Kudankulam Atomic Power
Project is a nuclear power station under construction in Kudankulam in the Tirunelveli district of
the southern part of Tamil Nadu. It is an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and
Russia. The North Chennai Thermal Power Station is situated about 25 km from Chennai on
Northern side has a total installed capacity of 630 M.W comprising of 3 units of 210 M.W each.
All the three units are coal based. The Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS) has a total
installed capacity of 450 M.W, comprising 2 X 60 M.W and 3X110 M.W units. Thoothukudi
Thermal Power Station (TTPS) is situated near the new Port of Thoothukudi on the sea shore of
Bay of Bengal and spread over an area of 160 Ha. TTPS has a total installed capacity of 1050
M.W comprising of 5 units of 210 M.W each. The units are all coal based. The Basin Bridge Gas
Turbine Power Station is located in Chennai about 3 km north of Chennai Central. The Units
can be operated by multi fuels, such as Naphtha and Natural Gas with a Capacity of 120 MW.
The Thirumakottai Gas Turbine Power Station is one of the most important gas turbine thermal
power plants in Tamil Nadu; the power generated from this plant improves the voltage and grid
stability of neighbouring areas. It has a capacity of 108.88 MW.The Kuttralam Gas Turbine
Power Station is located near Mayiladuthurai, with a total grid capacity is 101 MW is the power
output by the gas turbine and the steam turbine. The Valathur Gas Turbine Power Stations - I
and II located at Valathur in Ramanathapuram District and has the capacities of 95 MW and 92
MW respectively. Likewise, the Aban Combined Cycle Power Plant under Lanco is located in
the Karuppur village of Thanjavur District, with generation capacity of 120 MW. Similarly, the
PPN Combined Cycle Power Plants at Pillaiperumalnallur and Manickapangu villages, in
Nagapattinam District operate at 330.5 MW. Also, the GMR VASAVI Diesel Power Plant located
in Chennai and has the world’s largest diesel engine driven electric power plant with a capacity
of 200 MW power generations. In terms of wind energy, of the country’s total installed capacity,
around 45 percent is contributed by Tamil Nadu. In coastal areas, windmills are located in
places near Kanyakumari, Radhapuram and Muppandal in Aralvoimozhi Pass. Tamil Nadu’s
total wind potential is 5374 MW and the installed Capacity is 5901 MW up to March 2011.The
Wind season in Tamil Nadu normally is between May and September.

Fisheries and fishery infrastructure:

Tamil Nadu has a coastal length of 1076 km and surrounded by Bay of Bengal, Indian
Ocean and Arabian Sea. The coast has a huge potential of fisheries resources. The Tamil Nadu
coast has nearly 26 big and small urban centres and 556 marine fishing villages located along
the 12 maritime districts. Marine fish landing takes place in 362 centres.The major landing
centres in Tamil Nadu coast are Ennore, Chennai, Cuddalore, Port Novo, Nagappattinam,
Athirampattinam, Rameswaram, Pamban, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Colachel. During
2011 -12 Marine Fish Production was 4.25 lakh tonnes.(Table.4). The Wadge bank located
down the Cape Comorin is one of the important fishing grounds in India. The total brackish
water area available for aquaculture production is 56,000 ha and shrimp culture is being
undertaken in 6019.21ha. Producing 15,050 tonnes of shrimps valued at Rs.451 crore annually.
Major fishing harbours include Chennai Fishing harbour, Thoothukudi fishing harbour in
Thoothukudi District, and Chinnamuttom fishing harbour in Kanyakumari District.

Table 4: Marine Fisheries Statistics (2011-12) at a glance

Water Supply Infrastructure:

The State’s coastal zone is also home to several critical water supply infrastructure
installations including the 100 MLD desalination plant at Kattupalli, the 100 MLD desalination
plant at Nemmeli, the desalination plant at Naripaiyur and the Ramnad Drinking water Scheme
to provide drinking water to the drought-prone Ramanathapuram district.

Agriculture:

Agriculture plays an important role in the State economy. Paddy is the major agriculture
crop in the coastal areas particularly the Cauvery delta districts. An agricultural plantation
includes Coconut, Cashew and Casuarina are common in the coastal districts.

Oil and Natural Gases:

Cauvery basin in Tamil Nadu is one of the potential areas for crude oil and natural gas.
Tamil Nadu has at present 28 oil and Gas fields. Tamil Nadu has 2 refineries belonging to
CPCL, one at Chennai (9.5 million MT) and the other in Panagudi (Narimanam) at
Nagapattinam (1.0 Million MT). Nagarjuna Oil Corporation is currently setting up an oil refinery
at Cuddalore with a capacity of 6.0 Million MT.

Minerals:

Heavy mineral deposits in beach sands are found in the Southern coast of Tamil Nadu. The
important minerals available are Garnet, Ilmenite, Rutile, Sillimanite and Zircon. Indian Rare
Earth located at Manavalakurichi in Kanyakumari is extracting the minerals from beach sand.
Red sands or Teri sand are extensive along the Southeast coast of Tamil Nadu. They are of
aeolian origin that are red sediments and are basically deposited as windblown sands derived
from the coastal dunes and beaches and are likely to contain heavy minerals of economic
potential.

Coastal Ecosystems:

The coastline of Tamil Nadu constitutes about 15 percent of the total coastal length of India. The
Tamil Nadu coast comprises of the Coramandel coast from Pulicat Lake in the north to Point
Calimere and the Gulf of Mannar, which extends up to the tip of Kanyakumari and this is the
southernmost point of the Indian Peninsula The entire region is well known for the range of
ecosystems that comprise of sandy shores, estuaries, mangrove forests, sea grass beds,
seaweeds and coral reefs. Fringing and patch reefs are present near Rameswaram and Gulf of
Mannar. Pitchavaram, Vedaranyam and Point Calimere have well-developed mangrove
systems. In Tamil Nadu about 46 rivers drain into Bay of Bengal forming several estuaries and
coastal lagoons. The Cauvery River and its tributaries form a large delta supporting extensive
agriculture. The other landforms of the Tamil Nadu coast are rock outcrops of Kanyakumari,
mudflats, beaches, spits, coastal dunes and strand features. Deposition is observed at Point
Calimere, Nagapattinam, South Chennai, etc., while erosion is reported at Ovari Paravarnattam,
Mahabalipuram and North Chennai near Ennore. The Tamil Nadu coastline has several small
existing and potential mangrove sites. The total mangrove cover of the State is 39 sq.km (SFR
report 2011).The major mangrove areas are Muthupet in Thiruvarur district and Pichavaram in
Cuddalore district and other districts with smaller mangroves are Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur
and Thoothukudi. The Gulf of Mannar is located on the south-eastern tip of India in the State of
Tamil Nadu. The Gulf is known to harbour marine biodiversity of global significance, falling
within the Indo-Malayan realm, the world‟s richest region from a marine biodiversity perspective.
The Gulf‟s estimated 3,600 plant and animal species make it one of the richest coastal regions
in India. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (hereafter referred as the Reserve) is located in
the coastal marine zone of the Gulf itself. It is the first marine Biosphere Reserve not only in
India, but also in all of south and south-east Asia. The Reserve has been selected as an
international priority site based on criteria such as biophysical and ecological uniqueness,
economic, social, cultural, scientific importance, national and global significance. The IUCN
Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas, with the assistance of UNEP, UNESCO
and WWF identified the Reserve as being an area of “particular concern” given its diversity and
special, multiple-use management status. Coral reefs are the largest natural structures with
most diverse and beautiful marine habitats. It can be compared to rain forests of the sea for its
rich biodiversity. They act as natural barriers to coasts and people from sea erosion and natural
calamities such as cyclones, storms and tsunamis. They are source of livelihood to thousands
of traditional poor fisher folk through high fishery production and also serve as storehouse of
biodiversity by providing shelter, food and breeding spots. The total reef area in Gulf of Mannar
is about 110 sq.km with 117species of corals. Tamil Nadu has rich oyster resources in Pulicat
backwaters and Ennore backwaters near Chennai, Vaigai estuary near Athankarai,
Thoothukudi, Killai backwaters, Pazhayar estuary, Muthupet swamps and Thambraparani
estuary. The rocky bottoms of the sea where the pearl oysters occur are 'Pearl Banks' or „Pearl
beds‟ which are locally called 'Paars'. They are found from Pamban in the North to Manapad in
the south. The sacred Chank (Xancuspyrumo) found here from shallow parts to depths of 20 m
occupies an important place in the lives of Hindus. This is being used in worship and in the
manufacture of bangles worn by ladies in Bengal.
II Ecologically Important Tamil Nadu Coastal Areas

The Tamil Nadu coast is straight and narrow without many indentations except at
Vedaranyam. Fringing and patch reefs are present near Rameswaram and Gulf of Mannar,
Pitchavaram, Vedaranyam and Point Calimere have well developed mangrove system. In Tamil
Nadu about 46 rivers drain into Bay of Bengal forming several estuaries adjoining coastal
lagoons. The Cauvery River and its tributaries form a large delta supporting extensive
agriculture. The other landforms of the Tamil Nadu coast are rock outcrops of Kanyakumari,
mudflats, beaches, spits, coastal dunes and strand features. Deposition is observed at Point
Calimere, Nagapattinam, South Madras, etc., while erosion is reported at Ovari Paravarnattam,
Mahabalipuram and North Madras near Ennore. Rich deposits of heavy minerals are available
in Muttam Manavalakuruchi coast. The southern tip is also known for 3 the Tera sands.

Importance of Coastal Ecosystem:

Coastal ecosystems have key inbuilt features or functions. The ecosystems involving in
primary and secondary production, sustain the flora and fauna, store sediments and organic
carbon, essential to the maintenance of food chains. The coastal ecosystems provide foods
(fish, oil, gas, minerals) and services (natural defence against storms and tidal waves,
recreation and transportation). The coastal ecosystems provide habitat to genetically,
ecologically and economically valuable biological organisms. Out of 71 phyla encompassing all
forms of life, 43 phyla are in the oceans. The biological of our medicines contain active
ingredients of natural origin. The compounds isolated from sponges have been used in the
treatement of leukemia, and coral fragments are used in bone transplants and dental repairs.
The bioactive compounds from the shark fin have the feature of anti-infectious and are active on
the 14 circulatory system

Marine resources of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is endowed with one of the largest and richest fisheries in India. The State
has 1.9 lakh sq. m of EEZ covering the three coastal zones already described, besides 21 coral
islands in the Gulf of Mannar, with rich habitats of corals, coastal lagoons (Pulicat lake and
Muthupet swamp) and estuaries. There are 5 major rivers, 51 reservoirs and innumerable tanks.
These natural resources harbour a variety of finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants. The unique
topography of Tamil Nadu with the Gulf of Mannar and Kaniyakumari in the south, and Pulicat
Lake, which is the second largest lagoon in the country, in the north, has resulted in an
abundance of endemic species and a large number of high value potential resources. They
include spiny lobsters, crabs, flower shrimps, coral fish, sea bass, groupers, sea breams,
mullets, gastropods (abalones, chanks) pearl oysters, etc. Nearly one-third of the seaweed
resources of the Indian Ocean are found along the coast of Tamil Nadu, particularly the Gulf of
Mannar.
III. Coastal biodiversity statistics of Tamil Nadu coast

Introduction:

The marine biodiversity of Tamil Nadu is rich and varied. The coastline
encompasses almost all types of intertidal habitats from hypersaline and
brackishwater lagoons, estuaries and coastal marsh and mud flats to sandy and
rocky shores with varying degrees of exposure and widely varying profiles. Sub tidal
habitats are equally diverse. Each local habitat reflects prevailing environmental
factors and is further characterized by its biota. Thus the marine fauna itself
demonstrates gradients of change throughout the Tamil Nadu coast. Among coastal
wetlands, estuaries, mangroves and coastal lagoons are biodiversity rich areas,
whereas the other brackish water habitats have only a few specialized species. It is
well known that the reduction in number of species is greater in estuaries when
compared to adjacent seas and in-flowing river systems. It has been observed that
as the distance increases from the sea, the number of species decreases. Salinity
becomes the important regulating factor. However, much study is to be conducted in
the estuaries, mangroves and coastal lagoons of Tamil Nadu.

Corals and coral reef associated organisms

Coral reefs are one of the important ecosystems in India. They form the most
productive, dynamic ecosystem providing shelter and nourishment to thousands of
marine flora and fauna. They are the protectors of the coastlines of the maritime
states. They are well developed in warm, clear, shallow coastal regions where light
is abundant. Massive deposits of calcium carbonate that are secreted by the corals
form the main girdle of the reef. Corals growth is greatly influenced by the presence
of an algae called “Zooxanthellae” that provides a symbiotic relationship with the
corals. The interaction of coral reefs with algae provides habitats for all the other
reef associated organisms.

They protect shorelines from erosion and damage due to cyclone. The sand
beaches around these coral reefs are also used as tourist spots which earns foreign
exchange. These coral reefs are also called as marine biodiversity supporting many
species of corals, fishes, crustaceans and many other animals and plants. Coral
reefs are often termed as fragile ecosystems. If the present day human population
does not coexist well with the coral reef ecosystem, there will be a decline in the
coral reef biodiversity.
India’s coral reefs are of international interest in that all major types of reefs are
present. Fringing reefs are found in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. Platform reefs
are seen along Gulf of Kutch. Patch reefs are found near Ratnagiri and Malvan
coasts. Atoll reefs are found in Lakshadweep. Both fringing and barrier reefs are
found in Andaman and Nicobar islands. The total area of coral reef in India is
estimated to be 2,374.9km2. In Tamil Nadu, the area estimate of coral reefs is
represented in the Table 3.1 (DOD, 1997).

Estimates of Coral Reef in Tamil Nadu

Category Tamil Nadu (km2)

Reef flat 64.9

Sand over reef 12.0

Reef vegetation 13.3

Vegetation over sand 3.60

Algae 0.40

Lagoon 0.10

Total 94.30

In Tamil Nadu the coral reefs are distributed along the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay
and at restricted places in Chennai, Pondicherry and Cuddalore. The reef formation of
southeast coast of India along the Tamil Nadu coast is scattered between 79° to 79°9’E
to 8°45’ to 9°11’N covering nearly 21 islands from Tuticorin to Rameswaram. Though
the reefs are mostly of fringing types around the islands, it is discontinuous barrier,
termed as ‘Mannar Barrier’. The fringing reefs around the islands normally have a
lagoon of 100-150m wide and 1-2m deep. The dominant genera include Acropora,
Montipora and Pocillopora among the ramose forms. Massive forms are represented by
Porites, Favia, Favites,Goniastrea, Platygyra and rarely Symphyllia. Cyphastrea and
Leptastrea are very common on all reef habitats of this area. The foliaceous forms
are Echinoptera, Lamellosa and Montipora foliosa in Gulf of Mannar. In Palk Bay,
the reef extends along the shore form Mandapam eastward along the shores of
Rameswaram island interrupted only at Pamban pass. Corals are found on reef
rocks and no consolidated reef flat is seen. Zonation is indistinct. The siltation
especially during monsoon along the inshore region is reported to have marked
impact on the distribution of corals on the reef.

Mangroves:

Mangroves are of great ecological and economic significance and are among
the most productive ecosystems. Because their high rate of production of organic
matter, the mangrove are able to sustain a diverse community of organisms, ranging
from bacteria to fishes, birds and mammals. Tamil Nadu has two major mangrove
forests. The Pichavaram mangrove is located 200km south of Chennai covering an
area of 1,100 ha. The whole mangroves consist of 51 small and large islands and
are bathed with seawater during high tide and freshwater from irrigation channels
during low tide. The Muthupet mangrove forest which spreads over an area of
approximately 6,800 ha. of which only 77.2 ha (4%) is occupied by well grown
mangrove and the remaining 96% of the area is covered by poorly grown mangrove
vegetation, is situated near Point Calimere on the southeast coast of the peninsular
India (ENVIS, 2005).

The Pichavaram and Muthupet mangrove ecosystems embrace a

heterogenous mixture of plants and animals. The aquatic fauna comprises of
juveniles and adults of finfishes, shrimps, mollusks, crabs and benthic invertebrates.
About 13 species of true mangrove species are present in Pichavaram (Table 3.2).
The Rhizophora annamalayana has been described as a hybrid between Rhizophora
stylosa and Rhizophora apiculata. The distribution of various species of mangroves in
Shingle, Krusadai, Poomarichan, Manoliputti, Manoli, Musal (Hare), Mulli,
Poovarasanpatti, Anaipar, Upputhanni, Kasuwar, Valai, Appa, Nallathanni, Karaichalli,
Van Tivu, Thalaiyari, Vallimunai, Puluvunnichalli and Vilanguchalli islands of Gulf of
Mannar revealed dominant species of Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata,
Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandrus, Lumnitzera racemosa, Exoecaria agallocha
and Suaeda spp (Nammalwar, 1998). The status of mangroves in Gulf of Mannar is
given in below Table .
 True mangrove species in Pichavaram

No. Mangrove species

No. Mangrove species

1. Acanthus ilicifolius

8. Lumnitzera racemosa
Aegiceras
2. corniculatum
9. Rhizophora apiculata
3. Avicennia marina
10. Rhizophora annamalayana
4. Avicennia officinalis
11. Rhizophora mucronata
5. Bruguiera cylindrica
12. Sonneratia apetala
6. Ceriops decandra
13. Xylocarpus granatum
7. Excoecaria agallocha
 Status of mangroves in Gulf of Mannar

No. Mangrove species Status (based on IUCN)

1. Aegiceras corniculatum Critically endangered

Vulnerable, stunted growth in all

2. Avicennia marina islands

3. Bruguiera cylindrica Endangered

4. Exocoecaria agallocha Critically endangered

5. Lumnitzera racemosa Endangered

6. Rhizophora apiculata Critically endangered

7. Rhizophora mucronata Endangered

The Pichavaram mangroves are an important breeding and nursery area for
many fishes, crustaceans and the waterfowl population. The biodiversity of organisms

living in association with Pichavaram mangroves is shown in the Table 3.4 (Asir,

et.al, 2001).

Seagrass and seaweeds:

Seagrasses occur in the intertidal and mid tidal zones of shallow and
sheltered areas of sea, gulf, bays, backwaters and lagoons. They are submerged
monocotyledonous plants and are adapted to the marine environment for the
completion of their life cycle under water. They form a dense meadow on sandy and
coral rubble bottom and sometimes in the crevices under water.
 Living organisms in association with Pichavaram mangroves

No. Group Domination species Species

(No.)

Biddulphia sp., Nitzchia sp., Ceratium

1. Phytoplankton sp. 160

2. Fishes Mugil sp., Leiognathus sp. 147

3. Zooplankton Fish larvae, Shrimp larvae 129

4. Birds Circus sp., Trunga sp. 82

5. Bivalves Meretrix sp., Arca sp., Crassostrea sp. 21

6. Gastropods Conus sp. 18

7. Meiofauna Polychaetes, nematodes, amphipods, 14

isopods

8. Seaweeds Enteromorpha, Chaetomorpha 12

9. Prawn Metapenaeus sp., P.monodon, 12

P.semisulcatus

10. Crabs Scylla serrata, Portunus sp. 10

11. Seagrass Halophila, Halodule 5

Seagrasses are involved in cycling of nutrients. They provide food, shelter for
diverse organisms and act as a nursery ground for many fishes of commercial
importance and play a vital role in the fisheries production of the region. Among the 6
Indian genera of sea grasses, 11 species are recorded from Palk Bay of Tamil Nadu. Of
the 11 species, Cymodocea serrulata, Halophila ovalis, Halodule pinifolia and
Syringodium isoetifolium are predominantly distributed. Halodule wrightii occur only
in Akkalmadam in Rameswaram. 13 species of seagrasses under 6 genera occur in
the Gulf of Mannar region. Enhalus acaroides, Halophila ovalis, Halophila ovata,
Halophila beccari, Halophila stipulacea, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea serrulata,
Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis, Syringodium isoetifolium are some of the
seagrasses available in the Gulf. Thalassia and Syringodium are dominant in the
areas of coral reefs and coral rubbles whereas others are distributed in muddy and
sandy soils. The unique ecological importance of the sea grasses is the
conservation of rare and endangered animals like marine turtles, dugongs and some
echinoderms. Seagrass distributed areas around the coral islands of Gulf of Mannar
are shown in the Table. below (Asir, et.al, 2001).

Areal extent of seagrass in Gulf of Mannar

Island Area (km2)

Anaipar 14.0
Island Area (km2)

Poovarasanpatti 11.5 Krusadai 3.0

and Valimunai
Karaichalli 3.0
Musal 9.5

Valai and 8.0 Upputhanni 2.5

Thalaiyari
Mulli 2.0
Appa 8.0

Pullivasal and 5.0 Puluvinnichalli 1.5

Poomarichan
Kasuwar 1.5
Manoli and 5.0

Manoliputti
Vilanguchalli 1.0
Nallathanni 5.0

Van 5.0 Shingle 0.21

 Seaweeds are marine plants belonging to lower Cryptogams. They are one
of the commercially important marine living renewable resources. They occur in the
intertidal, shallow and deep waters of the sea upto 150m depth and also in estuaries
and backwaters. These are large and diversified groups with size ranging from
single cell such as Chlamydomonas to several meters in length (Macrocystis). The
four classes of seaweeds are Chlorophyta (green algae), Phaeophyta (brown
algae), Rhodophyta (red algae) and Cyanophyta (blue-green algae). In India, so far
650 species of marine algae with a maximum of 320 species of Rhodophyta
followed by 165 species of Chlorophyta and 150 species of Phaeophyta have been
recorded. Out of these, Tamil Nadu has the maximum (302 species). A total number
of 147 species of algae comprising 42 species of green algae, 31 species of brown
algae, 69 species of red algae and 5 species of blue green algae distributed in Gulf
of Mannar islands. The agar yielding seaweeds are being harvested since 1966
from Gulf of Mannar islands, along the coastline form Rameswaram to Tuticorin and
Sethubavachatram area in Palk Bay. The following economically important species
were recorded in Gulf of Mannar islands. Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis,
G.follifera, Gracilaria sp., Hypnea sp. Acanthophora , Sargassum sp., Turbinaria sp.,
Cystoseira trinodis and Hormophysa triquetra, Ulva sp., Enteromorpha, Caulerpa,
Codium, Hydroclathrus, Halimeda, Padina, Chondrococcus and Laurencia (edible
seaweeds). The estimated standing crop of some economically important seaweeds
growing on the islands is given in below table (Kaliaperumal, 1998).

Standing crop of some economically important seaweeds in Gulf of Mannar.

Species Biomass (tons)

Sargassum sp. 6736

Carragenophytes 965

Gracilaria edulis 225

Turbinaria sp. 224

Gracilaria sp. 213

Gelidiella acerosa 42
 Cystoseira trinodis 40

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR):

The Govt. of Tamil Nadu has declared the ecosystem off Rameswaram coast
as a Marine National Park area under the Wildlife Act of 1972 (G.O.No. 962, Forest
and Fisheries, dt.10.9.1986). The GoMBR consists of three important ecosystems
i.e. mangrove, seaweed /seagrass and coral reef and associated fauna such as
fishes, sponges, gorgonids, holothurians, pearl oyster, chank beds, endangered
turtles and the endangered mammal, the Dugong dugong. All the three highly
productive ecosystems harbor a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna making it
biologically one of the richest coastal regions in India and also world’s richest region
from a marine biodiversity perspective. Different types of reef formation have been
observed in Gulf of Mannar i.e. fringing reef, patchy reef and coral pinnacles. The
major coral genera include Acropora, Pocillopora, Montipoora, Turbinaria,
Echinopora, Favia, Favites, Goniastrea, Leptastrea, Leptoria, Platygyra, Goniopora,
Porites, Merulina, Symphyllia, Galaxea, pavona, Coscinaria, Psammacora etc. Coral
reef area and percentage of live corals and other biodiversity in different islands of
Gulf of Mannar are shown in the below table.

Coral reef area and percentage of live corals in Gulf of Mannar

No. Group Island Corals

Reef area Live

(Km2) cover (%)

1. Shingle island 2.0 46

2. Krusadai island 1.5 33

3. Pullivasal tivu -- --

4. Poomarichan tivu 4.0 14

5. Mandapam Manoliputti tivu 15.0 25

6. Manoli tivu

7. Musal tivu 18.0 52

8. Mulli tivu 7.0 25

9. Valai tivu 14.0 16

10. Thalaiyari tivu

11. Appa tivu 5.0 2

12. Poovarasanpatti tivu 6.0 50

13. Vallimunai tivu

14. Anaipar tivu 5.0 37

15. Nallathanni tivu 2.0 38

Kilakarai
16. Vembar Puluvinnichalli tivu 7.0 38

17. Upputhanni tivu 3.0 6

18. Vilanguchalli tivu 1.0 8

19. Karaichalli tivu 0.3 4

Tuticorin
20. Kasuwar island 6.0 5

21. Van tivu 2.5 7

 Gulf of Mannar encompasses 21 islands. There are uninhabited
islands, ranging in size 0.25 to 130ha, along the coast for 170km with the
closes being 500m from shore and the farthest over 4km. The islands and
their shallow water form the core of the reserve, which is in turn surrounded
by a 10km wide buffer zone.
IV. KEY CONCERNS OF THE TAMIL NADU COASTAL ZONE

Coastal Erosion:

A number of locations along the Tamil Nadu coast have witnessed rapid coastal erosion
since the 1970s/80s eroding land mass, converting larger beaches to smaller ones and sand
dunes or islands to disappear. High Erosion Zones along the Tamil Nadu coast include the
districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, parts of Tuticorin, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkotai,
Thanjavur, and Thiruvarur districts, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kanchipuram,
Chennai, and Thiruvallur. The State has prepared shoreline change maps for different districts.
Coastal erosion has also been compounded by the trend of storm surge heights and cyclonic
intensities in the last 50 years along the Tamil Nadu coast. The districts affected includes
Chennai, Cuddalore (formerly South Arcot), Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram and
Kanyakumari. Storm surges ranging from 4 to 12 m have been experienced by the Tamil Nadu
coast (Sundar and Sundaravadivelu, 2005). The extent of erosion along various coastal districts
is given in Table 5. The satellite based observations of areas eroding in Cuddalore and
Nagapattinam is shown in Figure 5.

Table 5: Extent of erosion along the Tamil Nadu coast

Cyclones, Storm surges and Coastal Flooding

The State’s coast also experiences periodic coastal flooding due to extreme storm surges, as
well as storm surges riding over tides and cyclones. The coast of Tamil Nadu has been affected
by cyclonic storms about 30 times with disastrous effects from 1900 to 2004. The districts
affected include Chennai, Cuddalore (formerly South Arcot), Nagapattinam, Thanjavur,
Ramanathapuram and Kanyakumari. Storm surges ranging from 4 to 12 m have been
experienced by the Tamil Nadu coast (Sundar and Sundaravadivelu, 2005). The map below
gives the risk zones associated with wind and cyclones.

Sea Level Rise

Most of the vital installations and infrastructure are located along the coast in Tamil Nadu. The
sea level along the coastline is varying . This variability also puts at risk the infrastructure being
developed along the coast as in most places it is not following any constant trend which can be
modelled and projections can be made so as to make coastal infrastructure safe. Sea level rise
due to global warming is happening in the background as well. While the quantum of sea level
rise is being debated, the fact that sea level would rise due to global warming is not doubted
and it is putting coastal systems at risk.

Salt Water Intrusion

Sea Water encroachment is a serious problem in some coastal areas of Tamil Nadu due to
deficient rainfall as well as over extraction of freshwater for domestic as well as industrial uses.
Sea Water Intrusion is monitored along all the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

Pollution

The State has several major polluting sources such as industries, power plants and
desalinization plants along the coastal zone. Pollution from sea-based activities include sources
such as near shore oil exploration; Vessel maintenance (waste oils, paints, solvents, repair
wastes & batteries); Fuelling (pipe leaks); Onboard tanks (sewage, vessel cleaning wastes, oily
wastes & washings); and Cargo handling operations (leakages, washings & spillages).
V.Coastal Zone Management Plan of Tamil Nadu:

The Coastal Zone Management Plan of Tamil Nadu has been approved by Ministry of
Environment and Forest, Government of India in 1996 subject to certain conditions (MoEF,
1996). Different categories of CRZ have been approved for the state of Tamil Nadu. While
giving approval to the CZMP of Tamil Nadu, it was mentioned that sand dunes, in addition to
those specified in the CRZ Notification, are CRZ I (i) (MoEF, 1996). A 50 m buffer zone was
given to mangrove areas having coverage of more than 1000 m. As per the Coastal Zone
Management Plan of Tamil Nadu as approved by the Govt. of India in September 1996.

Importance of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ):

The coastal region is a place of hectic human activity owing to urbanization and
industrialization resulting in human interference of rapid development. In recent years, the
coastal ecosystems are highly disturbed and very much threatened, encountering problems like
pollution, siltation, erosion, flooding, salt water intrusion, storm surges etc. Realizing the
importance of the coastal ecosystems, Coastal Regulation Zone notification was issued in 1991
and the coastal areas have been classified into four categories (CRZ I, II, III and IV). The
ecologically sensitive areas are included under CRZ-I, where no activity is allowed.

Coastal Regulation Zone and HTL:

The Government of India Notification [S.O.19 (E) dated 6.1.2011] under Section 3(1) and
Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Rule 5(3)(d) of Environment
(Protection) Rules, 1986 declares 'the coastal stretches of the country and the water area upto
its territorial water limit as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)' (MoEF & CC, 2011). All
developmental activities in the CRZ are regulated through the CRZ Notification (MoEF & CC,
2011).

The CRZ, according to the CRZ Notification, 2011, consists of the following:

CRZ Notification 2011 : Classification of the CRZ – For the purpose of conserving and
protecting the coastal areas and marine waters, the CRZ area shall be classified as follows,
namely:-

(i) CRZ-I,–
A. The areas that are ecologically sensitive and the geomorphological features which play a role
in the maintaining the integrity of the coast,-

(a) Mangroves, in case mangrove area is more than 1000 sq mts, a buffer of 50meters along
the mangroves shall be provided;

(b) Corals and coral reefs and associated biodiversity;

(c) Sand Dunes;

(d) Mudflats which are biologically active;

(e) National parks, marine parks, sanctuaries, reserve forests, wildlife habitats and other
protected areas under the provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980) or Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986);
including Biosphere Reserves;
(f) Salt Marshes;

(g) Turtle nesting grounds;

(h) Horse shoe crabs habitats;

(i) Sea grass beds;

(j) Nesting grounds of birds;

(k) Areas or structures of archaeological importance and heritage sites.

B. The area between Low Tide Line and High Tide Line;

(ii) CRZ-II,-

The areas that have been developed upto or close to the shoreline. Explanation.- For the
purposes of the expression “developed area” is referred to as that area within the existing
municipal limits or in other existing legally designated urban areas which are substantially built-
up and has been provided with drainage and approach roads and other infrastructural facilities,
such as water supply and sewerage mains;

(iii) CRZ-III,-
Areas that are relatively undisturbed and those do not belong to either CRZ-I or II which include
coastal zone in the rural areas (developed and undeveloped) and also areas within municipal
limits or in other legally designated urban areas, which are not substantially built up.

(iv.) CRZ-IV,-

A. the water area from the Low Tide Line to twelve nautical miles on the seaward side;

B. shall include the water area of the tidal influenced water body from the mouth of the water
body at the sea upto the influence of tide which is measured as five parts per thousand during
the driest season of the year.