SDMRI is involved in the conservation of management of coral reefs and associated ecosystems in the Gulf of Mannar since 1999 through its dedicated awareness campaign, livelihood training programs, capacity building in marine biodiversity, research on reef restoration and coral biology and reef survey and monitoring in collaboration / support from Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), Tuticorin Port Trust, Government of India and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMBRT).