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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Alappuzha coast home to 417 macrofaunal species, finds study
A comprehensive study undertaken along the Alappuzha coast has recorded 417 species of macrofauna. The research documented four species of cnidaria (jellyfish), 44 species of crustacea (brachyuran crabs, hermit crabs, shrimps, mantis shrimps and lobsters), 185 species of mollusca, seven species of echinodermata, 135 species of fishes, five species of reptiles (turtles and sea snakes), 30 species of birds (shore and sea birds), and seven species of mammals (whales and dolphins). The findings of the study, conducted by Arun C. R., research scholar at Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, and A. Biju Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, have been published in the Zoological Survey of India journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India. Seahorse species The macrofaunal diversity of Alappuzha is dominated by mollusca (44%), fishes (32%) and crustacea (11%). The study has identified three species of seahorses- Hippocampus spinosissimus, Hippocampus trimaculatus and Hippocampus kuda- which are included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India. The vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtles nest on the beaches of the district, especially at Thottappally. Onboard surveys observed the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The shell of a vulnerable leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) was found washed ashore during the survey. Among the mammals, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), an endangered species, was identified from video footage provided by fishers, while a Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) was identified from a specimen washed ashore on the Azheekkal beach. The research also documented the traditional environmental knowledge (TEK) of the region's marine biodiversity. This knowledge highlights the insights of Alappuzha's coastal fishers regarding marine resources, ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. The study notes that fishers observe peak fish populations, particularly among pelagic species, during the monsoon season (June to September). However, the abundance of shellfish (shrimps and crabs) and squids is notably higher from September to February. By fishers It also sheds light on fish identification practices used by fishers at sea. According to the study, small fish move in shoals, colloquially called 'Polappu' or 'Paadam' by fishermen. 'They identify shoal fish by their colour and behaviour. Shoals can be discerned by observing the water's surface. The size of the bubbles provides clues about the fish species present. For instance, a shoal with small bubbles typically indicates 'mathi' (oil sardines). Red colouration in the sea may suggest the presence of sardines, anchovies, or shrimps. If it is shrimp, they may leap over the water's surface. Black patches on the water may also indicate sardines. Species differentiation based on this knowledge may be scientifically explored in collaboration with fishers,' reads the study. The study titled Documentation of Macrofaunal Biodiversity of the Coastal Waters of Alappuzha District, Kerala, and Traditional Environmental Knowledge of Marine Fishers was conducted with the financial assistance of the University of Kerala. The study will soon be published as a coffee table book and a documentary on the marine life of Alappuzha is also in the making.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Plastic pellets found on Kerala coast after shipwreck pose serious environmental impact, warn experts
Tiny plastic pellets (nurdles) found on beaches in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala following the sinking of the container vessel MSC ELSA3 could have serious implications for the marine and coastal ecosystems and humans, warn experts. While not inherently toxic, the pellets remain a dangerous pollutant. Their short- and long-term impacts include habitat contamination and their breaking up into micro and nano plastics and entering the food chain, according to A. Biju Kumar, Senior Professor, Marine Monitoring Lab, Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala. The 'nurdle spill' on Kerala's coast is a wake-up call for India's coastal management, shipping safety, and marine conservation, Dr. Biju Kumar said on Wednesday (May 28, 2025) after conducting field verifications at the Varkala and Kochu Veli beaches in Thiruvananthapuram. 'While the crew of the MSC ELSA3 were safely rescued, the ocean remains at risk,' he said, describing this as the first major incident of plastic nurdle landings in India caused by a shipwreck. Global plastic chain Classified as primary microplastics, these pellets and are between from 1 mm to 5 mm in diameter. They constitute a major component in the global plastic chain. According to Dr. Biju Kumar, the pellets found in Kochu Veli are mostly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are the most commonly used material for manufacturing products such as plastic bags and films, flexible tubing, coatings for paper cartons and cables, detergent bottles, hard plastic containers, pipes and crates. They are also used in packaging material, household goods, electronics and automotive parts and medical equipment. LDPE is quite difficult to recycle, he said. Every year, millions of tonnes of these tiny pellets are transported across the globe. The Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA3 had capsized and sunk in the Arabian Sea off Kochi over the last weekend (May 24 and May 25). Its cargo consisted of 643 containers, including 13 laden with hazardous cargo. Several of the containers washed ashore in the coastal districts of Kerala in the days that followed, triggering concern. For Thiruvananthapuram, the immediate response should include manual beach clean-ups and using specialised equipment such as floating booms, nets and sifting tools for containing the spread of the nurdles and collection, according to Dr. Biju Kumar. Other measures include advising local communities not to handle such plastic pellets. Additionally, the shipping company should be held accountable for the spill and made to finance the clean-up, he said. Following the shipwreck off Kochi, the Kerala government had placed the nine coastal districts of Kerala on alert. It had also announced plans to constitute two separate rapid response teams under the Factories and Boilers department and the State Pollution Control Board in the nine districts for handling oil spills and containers that wash ashore.
