Derelict nets due to destructive fishing practices damage natural and rehabilitated corals in Gulf of Mannar, India

The destructive fishing practices using gears like shore seine and different types of gill nets damage live natural coral colonies as well rehabilitated corals. Coral mortality and change of community structure is significant. Branching corals are most affected. SDMRI Reef Research Team involves in the manual removal of torn nets entangled with coral colonies in the natural reefs and also in the rehabilitated sites as a part of monitoring and maintenance.