An experimental artificial habitat for spiny lobsters was created in the
sea off Vellapatti, a fishing village near Tuticorin in the Gulf of Mannar during
June 1997. A total of 49 modules fabricated out of 147 stoneware pipes
were used to create the artificial habitat which covered a floor area of
approximately 1000 sq. m. Inhabitation of lobsters in the artificial habitat was
recordedfor the first time three months after the installation of the modules.
Both Panulirus ornatus and P.homarus were encountered in
bottom set gill net catches operated in the vicinity of the artificial habitat