Marine Sponges of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay

The Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay are one of the important Biosphere Reserves of India. It consists of 21 islands spread over an area of 623 hectares (10, 500 km²). The area between the Pamban to Tuticorin barrier reef was declared a National park in 1986 and later converted into Biosphere Reserve in 1989. Of the 21 islands, seven islands belong to Mandapam group, seven islands to Keelakarai group, three islands to Vembar group and four remaining islands to Tuticorin group.