The SDMRI–RRT is having all basic necessary facilities for the reef research (5 sets of SCUBA diving equipments including compressor, underwater digital camera, Underwater Video Camera, GPS, and all other basic necessary equipment and facilities). SDMRI has two field laboratories; 1. Tuticorin harbour Area and 2. Mandapam. The Field Laboratory at Tuticorin Harbour Area is having running seawater facility for aquaculture research. Both laboratories are useful for reef research work.

• SDMRI-RRT has surveyed the entire Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay to assess the present coral status, diversity and distribution. Over 20 coral species new to Gulf of Mannar reef ecosystem have also been identified during the survey.
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• SDMRI is the first and only institution in India successfully initiated the reef restoration programmes with the financial support from Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India and Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), Sweden. Low-tech coral transplantation   technique has already been standardised. Over 700 sq.m degraded area / areas near natural reefs have been successfully restored in the last 3 years in    mainland Tuticorin coast using various substrates (concrete frame and fish houses)    and coral species such as Acropora formosa, A. nobilis, A. intermedia, A. cytherea, Montipora foliosa, M. hispida, M. divaricata, Favia palida, Porites lutea, Turbinaria    mesentarina and T. peltata with high  survival (> 85%) and growth rates.
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• SDMRI is also the first and only institution initiated coral reproductive biology studies in Gulf of Mannar with the funding support from Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India.
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• SDMRI was the first institution conducted the reef assessment in Gulf of Mannar immediately (one week) after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami to study the status of corals, in collaboration with Tuticorin Port Trust.
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• SDMRI is the lead partner in India for International Coral Reef Programme, “Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO)” since 2002.
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• Published field Guide titled “A field guide to stony corals (Scleractinia) of Tuticorin in Gulf of Mannar, Southeast India”, 2004, 80 p.
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• Published over 50 research papers on corals and associated resources in International and National Journals / Proceedings / Symposia.
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• Organized two national and one regional seminars on “Conservation and Management of Corals” and “Reef Ecosystem Remediation” and one national training workshop on “Marine and coastal biodiversity assessment for conservation and sustainable utilization”. The proceedings and training manual have also been published.