India, March 1 -- With the ministry of petroleum and natural gas releasing a tender for hydrocarbon exploration in a deep-sea area of 9,990.96 sqkm in the marine biodiversity-rich Gulf of Mannar, which shares borders with the southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, experts raise concerns over its impact on marine life.

The region, located close to the international maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka, is part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, home to rare and endangered species such as dugongs, different turtles, and marine mammals. Consequently, environmentalists in the state have raised serious concerns over the potential impact of oil and gas exploration on marine life.

Fishermen from Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi, Ram...