1. Dr. K. Arulananthan Head\Oceanography Division National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) Impacts of the Sethusamudram Canal Project on Environment and Fisheries Introduction –Area –Project Limitations Possible physical Impacts Conclusion

2. Pedro Bank Area ~ 2600 km 2 Flat rocky bottom with sea fans & sponges Wadge Bank Area~ 10,500 km 2 Sandy Bottom “The most important agent in causing widespread death of pearl oysters both young and old- in the Gulf of Mannar is the shifting sand due to the strong currents prevalent during the south-west monsoon …….” Prof. Herdman.

3. H ydrography of the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait is to some extent influenced by the contrasting waters of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea; yet semi enclosed geography impart uniqueness & high productivity to this ecosystem.

4. Sethusamudram Pelagic waters of the above area are the habitats of marine mammals such as Duogong and whales- globally recognised as rare and endangered animals Rich in sensitive habitats including sea grass, oyster beds, coral reefs, and associated mangroves vegetations. Area is annually contributing 25% of the island’s marine fish production. contributes 82% of the total trawl catch which by itself account for 32% of the total demersal fish production. Almost 100,000 people depend directly or indirectly on the fishing industry for their livelihood from this area.

5. More than 100 species of stony corals in 48 genera in the Bar Reef in SL Over 500 species of reef and reef associated fish species Spiny lobsters, sea cucumber, chanks, sponges, tunicates, gorgonians, soft corals and other fauna and flora Dugongs, turtles, dolphins and 28 species of whales Sand flats and associated life including sea birds Mangrove species and associated fauna and flora Sea grass species and associated fauna and flora Bio diversity

6. BOBP Fishing Trials-1986 Trawling is almost confined to the North and North Western coasts since suitable trawling grounds for prawns found only in these areas. Hence Mannar alone contributes 82% of the total trawl catch which by itself account for 32% of the total demersal fish production.Although trawling is carried out almost throughout the year, intence activity is witnessed only at Mannar. MSY of the continental shelf- 76,000 t Current exploitation level - 40,000 t MSY estimates for P, Bay,P, strait and Pt. Pedro- 30,000 t Remaining areas of the continental shelf –46,000 t Source: BOBP/REP/23

7. Basic Fisheries Information-Mannar District 2003 Fishing Families6819 Household population 27989 Active fishermen9346 32’-34’ inboard engine boats 01 Other inboard engine boats 60 Outboard engine boats 1301 Non-motorized traditional boats 612 Source: Report of the statistical unit,MFAR,2003.

8. Colombo TrincomaleeKarainagar Seasonal sea level and tidal variation Average spring tidal range is 0.35 m Average spring tidal range is 0.35 m Tidal phase varies by half a day in Tidal phase varies by half a day in between BoB & GoM between BoB & GoM Seasonal sea level range is about 0.40 m Seasonal sea level range is about 0.40 m Maximum sea level in December - January Maximum sea level in December - January

9. 140 Km  Though it is constructed entirely within the Indian territorial waters, it is proposed very close to the boundary between two countries.  The canal is 260 km in length and is designed for 300m wide two-way traffic.  The canal will allow vessels up to 12.8m draught to navigate.  The area where extensive dredging is involved

10. SegmentLength (km)Dredge Quantity (cu.m) Adams Bridge3551,801,391 Palk Bay4239,170 Palk Strait4434,681,449 Total8386,722,010 Proposed Dumping Areas for Dredge Materials Capital Dredging and Dumping

11. Closeness to Sri Lanka’s sea boundary and Activities proposed Extensive dredging Dumping of dredged materials Routine maintenance dredging Increased shipping traffic

12. Scarce information on system (Palk Bay, Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar) Detail bathymetry & oceanographic processes Inadequate data on bio-geo-physical-chemical characteristics Status of sensitive habitats Technical details including the feasibility reports of the proposed Sethusamudram Ship- Canal Project Anticipated impacts and mitigatory measures proposed in the Environmental Impacts Assessment Report (EIAR) prepared for the proposed Sethusamudram Ship Canal project.

13. Possible Impacts Hydrography & water quality Change in ocean circulation & water exchange Sea level rise Intensification of siltation, erosion & turbidity Maritime hazard

14. Its Location – Unique, sheltered, shallow –Shallow seas in between Sri Lanka and India forms an unique and continuous ecosystem though territorially divided, thus it is paramount important for both countries to safeguard the ecological status and sensitivity of this system.

15. Conclusion Joint Environmental Impact Assessment –possible areas, which Sri Lanka and India can take part in order to safeguard the environmental concerns. Joint Monitoring –Modalities of developing a joint monitoring mechanism between India and Sri Lanka pertaining to effect monitoring of environmental aspects