The observation was based on an in-depth survey on the state of bio-diversity of the island carried out by the committee, which was formed on February 19. It submitted the report yesterday to the environment and forest ministry. The director general of the Department of Environment (DoE) headed the committee.

The report suggested that if any gas or oil exploration has to be done it can be done outside the danger zone of the 10 kilometres radius, otherwise it might kill corals as well as other species that are invaluable for the ecological balance.

Besides, environmentalists feared that a seismic survey might also harm habitats of crocodiles and other marine lives in the Bay of Bengal.

Asked about this, Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam told The Daily Star that they have received the expert committee report.

"The report will now be examined at an inter-ministerial meeting before making a decision about it," he said adding that the government attaches highest importance to maintaining the bio-diversity and ecological balance of the only coral island in the country.

The environment ministry halted the seismic survey in the area conducted by Irish gas and oil company Tullow on February 9.

Sources said Tullow will be allowed to conduct its seismic survey beyond the 10 kilometres radius zone.

Tullow was allowed to explore gas and oil in St Martin's Island, Teknaf, Cox's Bazar and surrounding areas by the Awami League (AL) government in 1997. A production sharing contract (PSC) was also signed the same year.

Two of the three islands that constitute the St Martin's are forest reserves while the other called Narikel Jinjira is a human habitat.

The 7.315 kilometres long island has some 182 species of marine and wild lives.