Diatoms to whales: My research and field experiences in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay in the vicinity of Mandapam, along the south east coast of India

Abstract

Early parambulations in and around the place and on the adjacent islands and the varied nature of the coast and beaches convinced me that there could be enormous scope for a naturalist's observations. Indeed, great naturalists like James Hornell and Gravely and several others in later years laid the foundations for marine research at this remarkable place, though isolated from civilisation but strategically surrounded by the sea on three sides.