Dr. K.K. Mohammed Koya Sea Cucumber Conservation Reserve | |
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Cheriyapani Conservation Reserve | |
Location | Lakshadweep, India |
Nearest city | Bitra |
Coordinates | 11°54′07″N 71°46′59″E / 11.902°N 71.783°E |
Area | 239 km2 (92 sq mi) |
Established | 27 February 2020 |
Governing body | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
The Dr. K.K. Mohammed Koya Sea Cucumber Conservation Reserve is a marine protected area located off the coast of the Indian union territory of Lakshadweep, approximately 50 km (31 mi) northwest of the island of Bitra.[1][2] Formally established by Indian authorities on February 27th, 2020, the reserve covers 239 km2 (92 sq mi) of the Arabian Sea, including parts of the Byramgore (Cheriyapani) Reef, and is the world's first conservation area specifically dedicated to the protection of sea cucumbers.[2][3]