Seaweed resources in Biosphere Reserve area depleted: scientist

Date:20/08/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/08/20/stories/2010082058010300.htm Back Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin Seaweed resources in Biosphere Reserve area depleted: scientist Staff Reporter Call to develop indigenous cultivation technologies PRECIOUS:Seaweed resources with associated fish population in Gulf of Mannar. Tuticorin: J.K. Patterson Edward, Director, Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institution, said here on Thursday that the seaweed resources in Biosphere Reserve area had been depleted due to over-exploitation and now it was done illegally in the islands of Gulf of Mannar where ecologically sensitive coral formation was located. There are about 25 seaweed-related industries in which depend on raw material from the seaweed collection along the Gulf of Mannar. The exploitation in the reef areas (protected core zone) was causing severe damage to the larger coral colonies and new recruits. “About 450 people along Gulf of Mannar, mostly women from Keezhakkarai, Mandapam and Vembar regions, were involved in the collection. They preferred the island as the seaweeds grew dominantly,” Dr. Patterson added. “The issue is complex as it involves livelihood of the local poor community and conservation issues for long-term sustainability. It should be entertained without causing damage to corals. All stakeholders have to play a major role in maintaining sustainable livelihoods through cultivation and effective conservation. Commercially viable indigenous cultivation technologies have to be developed and effectively propagated among them,” he said. S. Balaji, Chief Conservator of Forest and Director, Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMBRT), Ramanathapuram, said that a long-term strategy was being implemented to enhance alternative livelihood for the seaweed gatherers. To provide micro credit to the SHG members from the coastal villages, a corpus of Rs. 5.39 crore was created. As many as 2, 460 SHGs had been in engaged in such activities, he pointed out. N. Kaliaperumal, Secretary, Seaweed Research and Utilisation Association, Mandapam, said that instead of promoting exotic seaweed species, the agencies concerned should focus on the native seaweed cultivation. © Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu