Tue Feb 25 13:33:32 UTC 2025: ## Kollam Offshore Mining Project Threatens Rich Marine Biodiversity, Warns University Study

**KOLLAM, KERALA –** A new report from the University of Kerala’s Marine Monitoring Lab (MML) warns that a proposed offshore mining project off the Kollam coast could irreparably harm the region’s unique marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishers.

The ongoing underwater survey has already documented a remarkable diversity of coral species in the area slated for mining, including five hard coral species and over 30 soft coral species. This represents nearly two-thirds of Kerala’s known soft coral diversity, making the Kollam coast a crucial biodiversity hotspot. Many of the soft coral species are newly recorded in the region.

Professor A. Bijukumar, Head of the Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, emphasized the vital role of the rocky reefs in the ecosystem. These reefs provide habitats, breeding grounds, and shelter for a wide range of marine life, supporting complex food webs and serving as nurseries for juvenile fish. They also contribute significantly to marine productivity and offer natural coastal defense against erosion and storms. The reefs also hold significant potential for ecotourism, such as diving and snorkeling.

The proposed mining, planned for depths of 40-60 meters, poses a direct threat to these reefs. Sand mining would bury benthic fauna and coral colonies, causing irreversible damage. It would also deplete vital nutrients, harming the ecosystem’s natural recycling processes.

The study highlights the critical lack of comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and calls for a precautionary approach. It recommends a temporary moratorium on offshore mining until a thorough EIA is conducted and alternative mining practices are explored. The researchers warn that the destruction of the reefs would have devastating consequences for both marine life and the fishing communities that depend on them. Corals are an endangered species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

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