Deep dive discovery: Largest coral reef discovered in Kerala, but where?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The largest coral reef along the Kerala coast has been discovered. The reef was identified during a deep-sea diving expedition led by the organisation Friends of Marine Life. The coral reef ecosystem was found stretching over a distance of three kilometres between Thumba and Puthenthoppu in Thiruvananthapuram district.

The reef was discovered in March under the leadership of Robert Panipilla, a deep-sea diver, independent researcher, and native of Valiyathura in Thiruvananthapuram. Robert, a representative of Friends of Marine Life, stated that previously, coral reef formations near the coast in Thiruvananthapuram were found only in the Kovalam and Vizhinjam coastal areas.

Friends of Marine Life (FML) regularly conducts deep-sea explorations to study the seabed near the coast. The newly discovered coral reef ecosystem lies at a depth of 22 meters in the Thumba sea and extends for about three kilometres. Robert stated that efforts are now underway to protect the coral reefs, which play a significant role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

"In foreign countries, the discovery of such coral reefs would typically prompt immediate protective measures. However, in our region, there is still a lack of sufficient awareness regarding their importance," Robert said.