Distribution of coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay and their exploitation and utilization

Running parallel to the shore in the Gulf of Mannar along the Indian coast are situated 21 islands of limited extent between Lat. 8 '47'N-Long. 75" 12'E and Lat. 9 15'N-Long. 79"14'E. These islands are extensive in the depth and quantity of the coral reefs around them. In addition to these islands, coral reefs exist also around the Rameswaram Island, the largest island in this series. which is all but contiguous with the mainland but for a short span of 2 km from Thonithurai to Pamban. Here the reefs start from NNE of Rameswaram shore and run around Devil's Point parallel to the shore and extend up to Mandapam in Palk Bay where they end