Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The construction of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is fast progressing. With that, the tragedy awaiting the coastline is also fast approaching, say researchers. The continuous dredging activities in Vizhinjam region has led to environmental problems and the rocky reefs which are a habitat for hundreds of marine creatures have been covered with sand and are completely destroyed. This has also led to the loss of livelihood of the fishermen community, especially traditional mussel collectors. Dredging for the sea lane began in 2015 after Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) signed a contract with Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited for the Rs 7,525-crore project. Due to the nature of the land and rock groups, it is said the area is landslide proof and that negates the need for permanent dredging, thereby making Vizhinjam an ideal location for the construction of a port. However, the experts who have been researching the marine ecology in the area point out that the port construction is not only causing permanent damage to the sea ecosystem but also affecting the marine life and the livelihoods of fishermen.