Could vanish by 2036: India races to save shrinking island with artificial reefs

Kariyachalli Island, located off India’s southern coast, is rapidly shrinking due to erosion, threatening the mainland with destruction from surging seas, storms, and sea-level rise. To combat this, officials are racing to restore the island using artificial reefs, transplanted corals, and seagrass meadows. Kariyachalli, part of a chain of 21 islands in Tamil Nadu, has lost over 80% of its landmass in the past half-century and could vanish entirely by 2036 if erosion continues unchecked.

The restoration project, funded by a $4.79 million state conservation program, aims to deploy about 8,500 artificial reef modules. The structures, designed based on seabed conditions and wave patterns, are expected to break the force of incoming waves while creating new surfaces for corals to grow. Scientists are also transplanting corals and restoring seagrass meadows to stabilize sediments and provide nursery grounds for marine life.

The project has already shown promise on nearby Vaan Island, where artificial reef modules helped recover lost landmass. However, warming oceans pose significant challenges to reef restoration, and researchers are searching for heat-resistant coral species to better withstand future marine heatwaves.