The project aims to study the impacts of trawling on marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve of southern India. Situated between the Indian and Sri Lankan coasts, this transboundary region is one of the most fertile and ecologically diverse marine ecosystems of the Indian Ocean region. It has been widely quoted that trawl fishing in the region is causing depletion of not only of commercial fisheries, but also variety of other forms of marine life including endangered species of corals, sponges, fish, sea turtles and sharks that are found in tropical waters.

In addition to being one of the first efforts at systematic documentation of by catch Gulf of Mannar, India, this study will also aim to revise methodologies of by catch assessment for the region, identify fishing gear that are less destructive and provide a set of recommendations that can be incorporated into the management plan of this ecologically sensitive marine protected area.

This project aims to assess and analyse bycatch from bottom trawling in one of the most ecologically important ecosystems along the coast. In addition to providing base line data on the diversity and quantity of different species extracted as by catch, as well as standardising methodologies, this study will form the basis of a long term bycatch assessment for the Gulf of Mannar coast, it is hoped that this study will inform policy interventions towards regulations in fishing gears and practices, promote ecologically sustainable fishing practices and create awareness among communities leading to resolution of conflicts.