|
Abstract:
|
The situation in the backwaters of Kerala, which
reportedly had about 70,000 ha of mangroves, is unique in the sense that
there has been a total conversion to other uses such as paddy cultivation,
coconut plantation, aquaculture, harbour development and urban development
In order to save and restore what is left over national and international
organisations are mounting pressure on scientists and policy makers
to work out ways and means conserving and managing the mangrove
ecosystems.
In this context, it has been observed in recent years that mangrove
vegetation has remained intact in isolated pockets of undisturbed areas
in the Cochin estuarine system and also that there is resurgence of
mangroves in areas of accretion and silting. The candidate took up the
present study with a view to make an inventory of the existing mangrove
locations, the areas of resurgence, species composition, zonation and other
ecological parameters to understand their dynamism and to suggest a
mangement plan for this important coastal ecosystem |