KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 1

1. Project title

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT ENTITLED

“STUDIES ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FISHING

COMMUNITY OF THE COASTAL AREA OF

DISTRICT DUE TO THE CHANGES IN LAND USE”.

2. File No : No. 025/E&E/14CSTE

Name of PI : Dr. S. PREMJITH

Address : Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies

Kurups lane, Sasthamangalam,

Trivandrum.

Phone: 9446490359

Broad area of research : Conservation and Management

Specific area : Restoration and protection of coastal resources

Date of start : June 2016

Total cost of project : 17,07400 (first year-753800, second year-561800,

Third year-391800)

Expenditure as on (first year) : 5,53,895

Balance : 1,99,905

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3. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies (RGIDS) -

Overview

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies (RGIDS) is a non

Governmental research organisation, registered under the Cochin

Literary Scientific Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. RGIDS was started in 2005 in memory of Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of .

The RGIDS envisages to join the league of leading centers of excellence in socio- economic , science research, teaching and training in development studies so as to address the development challenges in tune with the changing needs of the economy and society, by reorienting its research priorities and strengthening and diversifying its teaching and training programmes with a view to providing policy inputs and capacity-building in collaboration with other institutions of social- science research. Over the years, RGIDS has diversified its research activities including fisheries. Under the fisheries programme, research project entitled“

Studies on the sustainable development of the fishing community of the coastal area of Thiruvananthapuram due to the changes in land use” was sanctioned by State Council for Science, Technology and Environment

SasthraBhavan, Thiruvananthapuram in the year 2016.

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4. INTRODUCTION

It has been reported that the marine fisheries in India particularly Kerala over the years has declined considerably due to over capitalization and climatic changes. Moreover the fishing in inshore waters has become intense competitive over years due to the adoption of innovative fishing technologies. The rate of transformation of mechanization and motorization of traditional fishing crafts has been so dramatic since five decades. The impact of mechanization has caused severe threats over the livelihood of the traditional fisherfolk of India with intense conflicts who concentrate their fishing in the inshore waters. The mechanization has been so diverse and complex. The Kerala Government has decided to go ahead with the project of seaport which, according to marine experts, would be an ecological disaster for fishing communities, eco-tourism and biodiversity of

Trivandrum coast. This has mooted the fisherfolk to be more concerned over the resources. The follow up was the fisherfolk at various pockets to realize that the resources have to be curtailed for the sustainable catches. Enough and more package of practices concentrating on conserving the resource has been recommended by the research system to control the over exploitation and the same has well received by the fisherfolk only at certain pockets but it is not at the expected level. There is enough number of reasons to inform why the fishermen folk do not adhere to the fisheries regulation acts envisaged by the Government.

However, there are some cases that have been reported and documented from various hydro climatic zones. The number of cases is very meager in Indian fisheries sector and same has to be well documented and critically analyzed. The

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cases where the fisherfolk have taken their own initiatives to conserve the resources in Kerala have been documented. Three cases have been recorded. First case, the resolution method followed by the traditional and mechanized fishermen groups fishing in the same area. Second case, the fishermen of Kerala state restricting the catch of juveniles and the Third case is establishing artificial reefs.

The results of the in-depth analysis of the selected three cases inform that the fisherfolk have been self induced rather on based compulsion for taking initiative over the conservation (Premjith, 2010).Therefore, protection and rejuvenation of coastal natural resources become an important aspect of coastal zone management from the view of natural, man-made disasters and over exploitation.

Fishing communities in India are not homogenous, as they belong to different castes and have their distinct geographical, social, cultural, economic and traditional structures, depending on the coast, where they populate. panchayat in block of Thiruvananthapuram district has a total area of

7.34 sq.km with a population of 25.6 thousands of which nearly two fifths are

Hindus about one third are Christians and more than one – fourth are Muslims.

Almost 60 % of the Christians are fisherfolk . It has two coastal wards predominantly inhabited by the fishermen community.

Improvement of environment, alternative methods for increasing coastal resources, transplantation of traditional fishing practices, socio-cultural activities, socio economic development of coastal communities, eco-tourism and human rights of fisherman community of Thiruvananthapuram coast are the major priority of this project and the project is “field and extension” oriented one.

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5. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY.

1. To study the socio-economic impact on coastal villages of

Thiruvananthapuram district due to the changes (reclamation) in land use.

2. To prepare an inventory on the commercially important finfishes, shellfishes and sea weeds of coastal area of Thiruvananthapuram.

3. To study the present environmental quality (hydro-biological parameters) of Poovar estuary with special reference to eco-tourism and harbour.

4. To study the alternative methods including sea ranching for increasing coastal resources production through responsible fishing, self-induced conservation package and coastal aquaculture practices in coastal waters to compensate the loss of fishing ground/breeding grounds due to the changes in land use.

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5. WORK PLAN- IST YEAR

a) Procurement of primary data of Poovar estuary and A V M canal.

b) Conduct survey on the socio-economic impact on nearby coastal

village due to the reclamation of the land in use.

c) Identification of commercially important cultivable species of

fishes and shellfishes.

d) Identification of common diseases prevailing among fishes and

bivalves.

e) Workshop & training on cage culture.

f) Adoption of suitable methods for restoration of shell fishes

(bivalves) and finfishes.

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7. SALIENT RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS.

7.1. SOCIAL ECONOMIC SURVEY CONDUCTED AT POOVAR

Socio–economic importance of the Project.

Fishing and marketing are the major sources of income for the coastal people of Poovar Panchayat, in the Nayyatinkara Taluk, lies at the very Southern tip of the Kerala state at about 28km South of Thiruvananthpuram city. Poovar is a historically important, ecologically diverse and socially and religiously rich village. In history, there are references of a fish landing centre at the Southern tip of the Thiruvananthapuram then called “Offier”. The revenue village “Poovar” has a land area roughly covering about 4000 acres.

According to the available estimates of the potential fishery resources of the west coast, particularly in South West coasts, Kerala, possesses the richest fishing grounds and contribute 20% of the national marine fish productions. But the socio-economic condition of the fisherfolk in the state especially in Poovar is deplorable, when compared to the general section of the population (George and

Domi, 2002). Among livelihood patterns and such other reasons, the reduction of fish assets is a major cause for the backwardness of fishermen. They are in the grip of subsistence economy and indebtedness in the normal aspects of their life.

In Kerala, a lot of people are engaged in fishing and their livelihood depends on coastal resources. The fishermen residing in the eight villages i.e.

Adimalathura, Chowara, , Pallam, Kochuthura, Karimkulam, Poovar,

Puthiyatura , will be negatively affected as they use Vizhinjam fishing harbour located at a distance of about three hundred meters towards the south of the

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proposed brackish water (The Hindu12th july2012). The survey data reveal that out of 877 fishermen households (those who responded to the questionnaire) from these southern villages only 37 people (3.23%) use the fishing harbour in pre season, while 498 (41%) and 342 (28%) fishermen use the

Vizhinjam fishing harbour in monsoon and post monsoon season respectively.

The current route of their fishing vessel passes through the proposed reclamation/dredging area. Construction of new port leads to an increase in fuel expenses as they will have to take a longer route to reach the fishing harbour (The

Hindu, 24th June, 2013).

Loss of fishing ground in the active port area including approach channel area due to disposal of dredged material and turbidity will reduce the income of many fishermen, who are at present operate in this part of sea ( The Hindu ,1st

May 2005). All the above mentioned impacts are likely to lead to a reduction in the income of the fishing population of this area. Therefore, a long term vision is necessary as to how the social and economic livelihood of fishermen could be enhanced. Improvement of environment and natural resources are the only way to enhance the sustainable development of fisherfolk.

LIVELIHOOD.

Preliminary Survey

In connection with this project, the preliminary survey was conducted, at different place of Poovar panchayath such as Varavilathoppu, Chanthavilakom,

Pallompurayidom. Preliminary survey was carried out at the sub urban areas of

Poovar panchayth on7th July 2016, and8th July 2016, collecting the data from 100

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selected houses. In this social economic survey, information such as economic status, infrastructural facilities of houses, details of educational qualification and main occupation of these people were given top priority and the data were collected from them according. The preliminary survey reveals that, 42% came under APL (Above poverty line) and 58% came under BPL (Below Poverty Line) category. 29% of their home were made of asbestoses sheet, 26% were made of roofs tile, 41% were made of concrete, 2% were of palm leaves, only 1% were made of both asbestoses sheet and roof tile. As far as education is concerned, 52% were illiterate, 1% were degree holders only 7% were reached up to 10th standard.

It gave us details about educational information of these people from 1st standard to degree level.

Regarding occupation, majority of fisherfolk are engaged in fishing (85%), coolie work (8%), fish sale (2%), boat owners (1%). Out of 1% of boat owners 8% are having their own boat, 2% are having Kattumaran and 11% are having

Kambavala. It came to know that, the nets being used by them include gill net, troll net and hook & line. On the basis of the data obtained from the preliminary survey questioners is constructed in order to carry out secondary level of data collection.

Secondary Level

Secondary level studies were concentrated on weak supportive system and livelihood status among fisherfolk in Poovar fish landing centre.

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In this study, an attempt has been made to examine, livelihoods options, fishing and related techniques and supportive systems of the coastal people of

Poovar fish landing centre in Kerala.

Materials and Methods

The present study was undertaken in three wards near to Poovar landing centre Thiruvananthapuram district in the year September 2016 to November 2016 covering a total fishermen population of 535, coming under 103 families. The village is located at about 28 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city and is famous for its golden sand beach. Pre-tested interview schedule was used for the collection of information after conducting a preliminary survey to suit the local conditions. The data were collected directly from the fishermen families through personal discussions and interviews regarding the various aspects of the livelihood conditions and other aspects. Simple percentages were calculated and tabular analysis was made for arriving at the results.

Results

Demographic Factors: The fisherfolk live close to the sea on common lands unlike the mainstream population. The high density of population is a serious matter of concern for the quality of life of the people and the housing problem is very acute. This has been pointed out as an indication of low social development and low status of women in fisherfolk. The average family size of a fisher man community is 6 to 7 members. In this study, family sizes of fisherman were divided into three categories according to the numbers. Nearly 20% had members

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7-10 as large family; most families had (45%) 5 to 6 members as medium family and 35% had members 2 to 4 as small family. The share of men in the sample households is greater, which is implying more men (55.3%) in many of the sample households than women (44.7%). It shows that the sex ratio among the fisherfolk in Poovar is unfavorable. The data revealed that age group of 15-30 years was highest (32.1%), while the age group of 0-14 years was 18.9%.The age group of

31-45 years was 25.8%, while the age group of 46-60 years was 18.9%. The proportion of the child population is about one third and of the elderly population above 60 years is less than 5%. It is found that the middle age group was the highest in age group wise.

Table : Livelihood status of fishermen in study area (Poovar)

Livelihood status Number Percent Family size N=103 Small 36 35.0 Medium 47 45.6 Large 20 19.4 Gender N=535 Male 296 55.3 Female 239 44.7 Age N=535 0-14 101 18.9 15-30 172 32.1 31-45 138 25.8 46-60 101 18.9 >60 23 4.3 Land holdings N=103 <2 27 26.2 2--4 56 54.4 >5 16 15.5 No own land 4 3.9 Housing conditions N=103 Kutcha 3 2.9 Semi Kutcha 37 35.9 Pucca 63 61.2 Education N=103 Illiterate 35 34.0 below sslc 37 35.9 sslc 21 20.4 predegree/plustwo 8 7.8 degree 2 1.9 Activity Status N=535 Fishing 141 26.2 Fish sale 41 7.2

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Students/Housewives/ 234 43.5 Oldage people/Infants/Children Unemployed 37 6.9 Govt job 65 12.1 NRI 17 3.2 Addictions N=103 Alcohol 102 99 Smoking 95 92.2 Thambakk(chew) 96 93.2 Monthly Income of head of HH* N=103 <5000 46.3 5001-10000 40.7 >10000 13.0 Water supply N=103 common pipe common well pipe No facility(neighbourhood) Category N=103 BPL 74 71.8 APL 27 26.2 NA 2 1.9 The present study shows that the fertility rates have declined heavily in recent years. The low proportions of the elderly population are an indication of lower life expectancy and poor health and hygiene status. Hard labour, unhygienic living conditions and unscientific health and hygiene practices lead to high morbidity and mortality rates among the fisherfolk.

Land holdings and housing conditions: Poovar fisheries village is spread over four wards of Poovar Grama Panchayath. The coastal wards of this village are

8, 9, 10 and 11. The land holdings of the households show that 27.3% have less than 2 cent of land, 56.6% have two to four cent of land and 16.2% have more than

5 cent of land. Most of them have own house in slum like and crowded settlements and the nature of house indicates that 61.2% have pucca houses, 35.9% have semi-kutcha houses and 2.9% have Kutcha houses. All sample houses are

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electrified, 94.2% were used Liquefied Petroleum Gas and 87.4% have proper sanitation facilities.

Fig : Survey and housing condition of fishermen house at Poovar.

Drinking water facility: The drinking water facility of sample houses was very poor. Majority of the households have bore well facility but they could not use this water for drinking because of salt content. For drinking purpose they use common pipe (78.6%) and common well (21.4%). The drinking water for the thickly populated coastal neighborhoods of the area is brought from open wells or tube wells erected about five km away from the coastal areas and is supplied through tanker lorries by state authorities.

Category: The category wise distribution of households shows that 71.8% have Below Poverty Line card holders and 28.1% have Above Poverty Line card holders. This clearly shows an evidence of poor condition of majority of the population in the sample area.

Religion: All of the 105 fishermen interviewed in the sample area belong to the Latin Catholic community and are mostly converts from the Mukkuva caste groups. They go to the churches on Sunday and other special days. This religious

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attitude may be because of the nature of their occupation which is highly uncertain, challenging and risky.

Education: The educational status of the head of the household reveals that

34% are illiterate, 35.9% have primary level, 28.2% have secondary level and only

1.9% has higher level of education. But this situation is varied in case of educational status of family members. The educational status of the family members of the household reveals that 13.1% are illiterate, 53.5% have primary level, 26.7% have secondary level and only 6.7% have higher level of education.

Activity status: The National Sample Survey Organisation defines following three broad Activity Status i) Working (engaged in an economic activity) i.e. ‘Employed’ ii) Seeking or available for work i.e. ‘Unemployed’ and iii) Neither seeking nor available for work. Around 85% of the head of the household depends on fishing and related activities, 11.7% depends on other sectors and 2.9% are unemployed. But in the case of family members only 34% of engaged full time in fishing and related activities, majority of 43.7% population as dependents (housewives, infants, children, old age people), 15.3% are employed in organised and unorganised sectors and nearly 7% of the population are still unemployed. Totally unemployed include 4% of the residents of which Gulf emigration is 12% and 6% are retired persons.

Monthly income and expenditure: The monthly income of 43.5% of the fishermen (head of the household) had average monthly income ≤5000, 41.5% of the fishermen had average monthly income ranged between 5001 to 10,000 and

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only 15% had income ranged >10000. The average monthly income of the head of a household (fishermen) is Rs. 6000/.

Number of working days: The sample fishermen reported that the average fishing days in a month ranges from 12 days in bad season and around 20 days in good season.

Consumption and expenditure: The consumption pattern indicated that nearly 85 percentage of the household expenditure was for household consumption. Nearly 90% of the household owned television, whereas 66% owned refrigerator, 85% owned mobile phones and 23% having audio sets.

The total average annual expenditure of fishermen family was also worked out which ranged from Rs. 3800 for small families and Rs. 1,02,000 for large families. The expenses were categorized into household expenses, which include expense for health, fuel, electricity, water, phone, fishing, educational and other expenses. It is observed that more than 55% of the expenses were spent for food and related household expenses, followed by health (15%), electricity (9.2%) and

(18%) others.

Institutional support: Most of the fishermen are involved with cooperatives and welfare organizations or societies either government or non- government. Majority of the respondents (96.7%) argued that the performance of these institutions is very poor.

Marketing facilities: The market chain from fishermen to consumers passes through a number of mediators such as: local fish traders, wholesalers and retailers. The exploitation of the fishery wealth by middlemen or traders is the

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main problem of the study area. Around three to four traders or middlemen are involved between fishermen and consumers in fish marketing system in this area.

Some marketing restrictions were reported by fishermen, including higher transportation cost, poor supply of ice, and exploitation by middlemen as a result of lower market prices. As a result, the perishable product of fish get damaged and the retailers sold these in cheap price, sometimes they even failed to get any revenue due to quality deterioration. The majority (85%) of the respondents reported the exploitation by middlemen as the single most constraints of fish marketing and remaining 15% respondents reported poor icing facility, lack of infrastructure, and lack of finance. This reveals that the state has not brought about any real benefits to the fishermen in the study area.

Training: There is a government office of the Assistant Director of Fisheries at

Vizhinjam for the purpose of training for fishermen in sea rescue operations.

Almost 98% of the sample fishermen were not attended any training from government or non government organisations. As mentioned earlier majority of the fishermen in the study area are following the traditional fishing methods and they were developed over centuries of learning-through-labour using locally available substance and indigenous skills.

Fishing and Fishing Gears

Fishing:

In Poovar, fishery was mostly supported by fin fishes (99%) represented by

22 families with 26 pelagic and 14 demersal species. The dominant groups of

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fishes belonged to the family Carangidae with 9 species, followed by Clupeidae (6 species), Engraulidae (3 species) and Leiognathidae (3 species). Remaining groups were represented by penaeid prawn, Fenneropenaeus indicus, , Loligo duvaucelii and jelly fishes. Maximum species diversity was observed during post- monsoon period followed by pre-monsoon and monsoon. We also attempt to collect the data on the availability of fishes from sample fishermen. Most of them

(nearly 90%) viewed that species like Sardinella sp. (Sardine), Rastrelliger kanagurta (Indian Mackerel), Stolephorus indicus (Indian anchovy), Megalaspis cordyla (Torpedo scad/ Torpedo trevally), Rhinoptera javanica (Javanese Cow

Nose Ray), Chanos chanos (milk fish), Lactarius lactarius (False Trevally/White fish), duvauceli (Indian ), Monodactylus argenteus (Silver

Moony/Silver bat-fish), Lepturacanthus savala and Scomberomorus commersonii

(Seer Fish, King-fish) and Penaeidae (Penaeid shrimps-prawns) are the common species getting majority during respective seasons. Although majority of the species caught during pre-monsoon season was small sized and economically low value fish. The respondents also argued that now a days there were remarkable fall in the availability of high market value species like Lepturacanthus savala,

Lactarius lactarius (False Trevally/White fish), Monodactylus argenteus (Silver

Moony/Silver bat-fish) and Scomberomorus commersonii (Seer Fish, King-fish).

Fishing gears: The fisherfolk in Poovar use non-mechanised or traditional fishing gears mainly four types, 'Thattuvadi' (boat seines), 'Kambavala' (Shore seines), 'Choonda' (hooks and lines) and 'Pattuvala' (drift nets). Most of the fishing gears operated in two types of crafts, motorised plywood or fibreglass boats and

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catamarans. The boat-seine (Thattuvadi–a kind of bag net pulled by two catamarans) was an important gear used majority of fishermen. From the views of fishermen there were nearly 40 catamarans (Motorised/Non-Motorised) and around 1136 motorised plywood or fibre boats with 110 outboard engines. The shore seines locally known as ‘Kambavala’ is another main traditional fishing gear operated in catamaran and by fibre glass boats (8.5 to 11.0 m OAL) at 5 to 7 m depth within 0.5 km to 3 km from the sea shore. Out of 103 fishermen only 12 of them has their own net and only 14 has own boats/catamarans with one or two outboard engines.

Fig : Kambavala fishing operation at Poovar coast.

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7.2. HYDROLOGICAL STUDIES

Hydrographic study of Poovar estuary

The study of hydrography is the pre- requisite for the assessment of potentialities and to understand the reality between tropic levels and food webs.

The review of literature showed that very little studies has been carried out in the physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics of Poovar estuary with special reference to changes in land use for ecotourism.

Materials and Methods

Monthly samples were collected and analysed various physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics of water using standard methods for a period from July 2016 to February 2017.

Results

Salinity

In the present study we have noticed the salinity variation in the water sample taken from Poovar estuary. The surface water showed low salinity range due to the insurgency of water flowing towards it from river and bottom water showed 17 ppt when the bar mouth was opened. Since salinity is very essential for mussel fishery this present study envisages that the mussel farming can be done effectively using bottom culture method.

During the study period, surface water salinity showed a maximum value of 5ppt and minimum value of 0 .74ppt during rainy season. The salinity of the water is high during summer season due to evaporation and mixing of sea water with estuarine water when the bar mouth is opened.

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Variation in PH

During the monsoon season, low PH level was recorded especially in the month of August 2016 (6.5), after that the pH level gradually increased and reached to a level of 7.53 during the month of January 2017. This was followed by a decline to a value of 7.14 in month of February 2017. This may be due to the stagnant conditions of the estuarine water and the drastic fluctuation of the water level.

Total dissolved solid

The total dissolved solid content in the water sample was shown its maximum level in the month of August 2016 (3840 mg/l) while low value was noticed in the month of October (472mg/l). Total dissolved solid content was very meager (472 mg/l) during the month of October followed by a hike in the month of

November (1750 mg/l). Again the value declined to 932 mg/l during the month of

December. Total dissolved solid was seen increased during monsoon period rather than post monsoon period.

Alkanity

In the present study maximum alkalinity was reported during the month of

August (120.6mg/l) and minimum in October (26mg/l).The alkalinity of water was determined by hydroxide, carbonate and bicarbonate concentration. The increase or decrease of alkalinity depends upon the photosynthetic or respiratory activity of algae present in the water. Water sample taken during the monsoon was more alkaline than the post monsoon sample.

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Chloride

The chloride level of the water sample collected during the month of July and August showed highest value of 1127.6mg/l and 2157.2mg/l respectively. In

September, the measurement of chloride came down below the desired level

(99.0mg/l).When compared to the desired level (250mg/l), the chloride level of the water sample in the month of November was recorded to 1650mg/l which is very high compared to the month of October (520mg/l). But as in the case of all other parameters, the measurement of the chloride is more prominent in the water sample during the monsoon than the post monsoon.

Sulphates

Drastic fluctuations were being observed in the case of sulphate concentration of water. The concentration of sulphate in the post monsoon was comparatively higher than the monsoon period due to the stagnation of water when the bar mouth is closed.

Residual free chlorine

The desirable limit of residual free chlorine in water sample is 0.2mg/l.

Neither monsoon period nor the post monsoon exhibited the presence of the residual free chlorine in the water sample.

Ammonia

Only a trace amount of ammonia was deducted during the investigation period, though it is a micro element in the water, when compared to other physico- chemical parameters.

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Nitrite

The maximum level of nitrite content (0. 096µg/l) was recorded in August while other months showed very meager amount of nitrite (0.02µg/l).The low value may be due to phytoplankton growth.

Nitrate

The desirable limit of nitrate in the water sample is estimated to be 45µg.

During the monsoon period, the concentration of nitrate was very negligible. The concentration of nitrate during the month of October was recorded 0.527µg/l while the month of November and December recorded 0.843µg/l and 0.982µg/l respectively.

Fig. shows the physico- chemical parameters of Poovar estuary.

Salinity PH 6 8 5 7.5 4 7 3 Salinity 6.5 PH 2 6

1 salinity salinity mg/l

0 5.5

Jul

Jan

Oct

Feb Sep Dec

Jul Sep Nov Jan Aug Nov

Alkalinity TDS 140 5000 120 4000 100

80 3000 mg/l mg/l 60 Alkalinity 2000 TDS 40 1000 20 0 0 Jul SepNov Jan Jul SepNov Jan

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Chloride Sulphate 3500 400 3000 2500 300 2000

200 mg/l 1500 Chloride mg/l Sulphate 1000 100 500

0 0

Jul Jul

Jan Jan

Sep Sep Nov Nov

Nitrate 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 µg/l Nitrate 0.4 0.2 0 Jul Sep Nov Jan

Accumulation of heavy metal in the water and sediment of Poovar estuary

Heavy metal content in water

The present study reveals that Iron is the most important transition element in biological system. In the present study, iron showed highest concentration followed by zinc and other metals.

Cadmium was detected in trace amounts in the water samples during the monsoon season. In other stations it was below detectable limit in pre monsoon and post monsoon seasons.

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Fig: Heavy metal contents of water at Poovar estuary. Iron content (ppm) Zinc content (ppm)

20 III 2.5 III bottom 15 bottom 2 1.5 III surface 10 III 1 II bottom 5 surface 0.5 II surface 0 II bottom 0

I bottom

Jun Jun

Oct Oct

Apr Apr

Feb Feb

Dec Dec

Aug Aug post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon II surface post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon I surface

Copper (ppm) of Sediment Lead content (ppm) 2.5 2.5 2 2 III bottom 1.5 1.5 III III surface 1 1 0.5 II 0.5 II bottom 0 0

I II surface

Jun

Oct

Apr Feb

Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug Dec Aug I bottom post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon

The concentrations of copper and manganese were below detectable limit in the water sample collected from different seasons. It may be due to the negligible amount of copper and manganese in the water soluble form.

The highest surface water, iron was recorded in June 3.614 ppm and lowest value (0.1 ppm) was recorded in February. The iron content in the water samples recorded the maximum value of 3.32 ppm in June and minimum value of 0.101 ppm in October and February.

The lead content in the surface water samples was more in July (0.418 ppm) and less value was observed in April (0.128 ppm). The lead content in the sample was observed with the maximum of 0.407 ppm in July and minimum value observed was 0.135 ppm in March.

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The zinc content in the surface water samples collected from Poovar estuary showed a maximum of 0.428 ppm in July and a minimum of 0.1888 ppm in March. In the bottom water samples, the highest value of zinc content was recorded in July (0.404 ppm) and lowest value was recorded in March (0.169 ppm).

The concentrations of all the trace metals studied showed higher values during monsoon period. This may be due the heavy land run off, drainage of municipal and agricultural wastes, industrial discharges and direct anthropogenic influences coming from the nearby resorts. The concentrations of heavy metal showed lower values during pre monsoon season may be due to decrease of river run off and utilization by phytoplankton. The level of heavy metal content in the

Poovar estuary water are in the order of Fe > Zn > Pb > Cd. The lead content in

Poovar estuary water was found to be above the standard limit for effluents receiving inland surface water, as prescribed in the guidelines of KSPCB, (1997).

Heavy metal content in sediments

A concentration of cadmium was found only in trace amounts ranging from

0.00025 ppm to 0.0003 ppm in the sediments of the station studied.

In the present study, high concentrations of copper were observed in July

(0.865 ppm). The copper content was below detectable level in all the pre monsoon months.

The maximum content of iron present in June (41.396 ppm) and minimum content was in January (5.252 ppm). Iron showed the highest concentration followed by manganese and zinc in sediments.

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Iron exhibits decreasing trend towards the estuarine region due to the presence of and suspended solids. The maximum content of iron was due to the direct disposal of industrial, agricultural, domestic and municipal wastes.

The maximum lead recorded in the sediment samples of Poovar estuary was 0.568 ppm in August. The minimum lead was recorded in May (0.208 ppm).

Lead is emitted into the environment through a large number of natural and anthropogenic sources. The major source of lead pollution is the exhaust from vehicles. Lead is a toxic element and its increased concentration is due to the discharge of industrial wastes. The increase in lead may be due to the high amount of metal carried into the estuary through river discharge during monsoon rainy season.

The manganese content was highest in July (9.013 ppm) and lowest in

February (0.218 ppm). The two heavy metals, iron and manganese are considered as mobile elements because they can exchange between sediment and water as a result of change in temperature and pH.

The highest content of zinc was reported in June (3.254 ppm), lowest value was recorded in April (0.648 ppm). The high content of zinc was due the more discharge of fertilizers containing zinc.

Higher concentrations of heavy metals during the monsoon season are due to the heavy flood of fresh water entering the estuary which carries metal from the land. Further the high concentration is due to the erosion, scrap metal and paint from boat jetty along with industrial and urban sewages.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 27

The lower values of heavy metal during pre monsoon season may be due to the low fresh water inflow, biological utilization and decreased land drainage. The heavy metal content in sediments are controlled by various factors like climatic conditions, site of deposition, stability of minerals, density, grain size and transporting media.

Fig: Heavy metal contents of Sediment at Poovar estuary. Lead content (ppm)in sediment Iron content in Sediment 2 100 1.5 80 60 1 III III 40 0.5 II 20 II 0 I 0 I Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon

Zinc content (ppm) of sediment Manganese content (ppm)of sediment 10 8 20 6 15 III 4 10 III II 2 5 II 0 I 0 I Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon post monsoonPremonsoonMonsoon

In the present study, the order of heavy metal accumulation in sediments of the study area are in the order: Fe >Mn> Zn > Cu >Pb> Cd. Increasing environmental pollution by heavy metals resulting from their increasing utilization in industrial processes and the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural fields causes many problems for both human health and the aquatic ecosystem.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 28

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in finfish and shell fish collected from

Poovar estuary,

Heavy metal content in Fish

Heavy metals like Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn are common toxic pollutants for fish.

When toxic fishes are consumed they cause serious effects to the consumer. So the present study deals with the investigations on the concentration of heavy metals like Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in fin fish (Mugil cephalus) and shell fish

(Penaeus indicus) samples collected from Poovar estuary.

Heavy metal content in Fin fish (Mugil cephalus) tissues:

Iron showed highest concentration compared to other metals in the muscles of the fishes studied. Highest concentration of iron was observed (10.65 µg/g dry wt) during monsoon and low during post monsoon season (2.071 µg/g dry wt).

Maximum value of zinc was detected during monsoon season (2.18 µg/g dry wt) and minimum value was detected during post monsoon season (0.38 µg/g dry wt).

It was generally believed that fish activity regulates zinc concentration in their muscle tissue and as a result do not reflect changes in ambient available levels of this element in the environment.

In the present study, high concentration of manganese was reported in fish

(1.87 µg/g dry wt) during monsoon and it was below detectable limit during post monsoon season. Concentration of cadmium was found only in trace amounts in the fishes studied ranging from 0 to 0.004 µg/g dry wt. The maximum content of lead was observed (0.468 µg/g dry wt) during monsoon, and the minimum value was reported (0.07 µg/g dry wt) during pre monsoon season. The high value of

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 29

lead was observed in fishes during monsoon season and it may be due to the discharge of wastes from automobile workshops in the surroundings of the study area. The copper content of fishes showed highest value of 0.472 µg/g dry wt during monsoon and lowest (BDL) during pre monsoon seasons. The present study revealed that the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the finfish samples collected from the study area was in the order Fe >Zn >Mn> Cu >Pb> Cd.

Seasonal variation of heavy metal in finfish recorded at different station Season Station Cd Cu Fe Pb Mn Zn

Post I .004 BDC 3.34 .25 BDL .38 monsoon II .003 .16 2.07 .20 .17 1.46 III .005 .23 6.04 .41 1.04 2.06

Pre I .001 BDL 2.56 .16 .08 .88 monsoon II BDL .265 3.48 .40 .28 .86

III .000 .41 8.93 .15 .40 .35

Monsoon I BDL .09 5.86 .15 .15 .64

II .001 .047 8.06 .312 .312 1.69

III .004 .38 10.68 .46 1.87 2.18

BDL --- Below detectable level

Heavy metal content in Shell fish (Penaeus indicus) tissues

In shell fish also, iron showed the highest concentration compared to other metals in the muscles of the fishes. Highest concentrations of iron was observed

(26.413 µg/g dry wt) during monsoon season and lowest during pre monsoon season (3.471 µg/g dry wt). Maximum value of zinc was detected during monsoon

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 30

season (3.873 µg/g dry wt) and minimum value was detected during post monsoon season (0.317 µg/g dry wt).

Manganese content in fishes showed highest value (7.46 µg/g dry wt) during monsoon season and lowest (0.653µg/g dry wt) during pre monsoon season. Concentration of cadmium was found only in trace amounts in fishes studied ranging from 0 to 0.008 µg/g dry wt. seasonal variation of heavy metal content (ug/g dry wt. ) in shell fish Penaeus indicus of Poovar estuary Season Station Cd Cu Fe Pb Mn Zn

Post I BDL 0.25 5.41 BDL 0.85 0.32 monsoon II 0.05 0.48 7.01 0.29 2.46 1.35 III 0.003 0.64 14. 17 0.41 5.43 2. 40

Pre I BDL 0.14 3.48 0.28 0.65 0.68 monsoon II BDL 0. 32 9.34 0.39 2. 05 1.83

III 0.01 0.528 12.52 0.48 6.07 3.02

Monsoon I BDL 0.18 10.48 0.17 0.98 1.28

II 0.01 0.547 20.55 0.28 2.64 1.72

III 0.02 0.75 26.41 0.57 7.45 3.87

BDL --- Below detectable level

In the present study, high concentration of copper was reported in fish samples (0.746 µg/g dry wt) during monsoon and low value of copper was reported in fish samples (0.146 µg/gdrywt) during pre monsoon season. The lead content was maximum (0.587 µg/g dry wt) during monsoon season and it was below detectable limit during post monsoon season.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 31

Fishes in marine environment form an important target for bio magnification of metals as fishes are in the top of the food pyramid and act as a possible transfer media to human beings. The heavy metal uptake occurs directly from the surrounding seawater across the permeable body surface, from food and seawater entering the gut. The present study revealed that the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the shellfish samples collected from the study area was in the order Fe >Mn> Zn > Cu >Pb> Cd.

The present study on the heavy metal content in fish samples collected from Poovar estuary indicates that most of the heavy metals studied (Pb, Zn, Cd and Fe) were detected in the tissue samples. The higher levels of heavy metals in the fish muscle may result in toxic effects on human beings consuming these fishes.

Accumulation of heavy metals in ecosystem is of global importance.

Metals generally enter the aquatic environment through atmospheric deposition, erosion of geological matrix or due to anthropogenic activities caused by industrial effluents, domestic sewage and mining wastes. The results showed the accumulation of heavy metals like Pb, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in the muscles of the fin fish (Mugil cephalus) and shell fish (Penaeus indicus) collected from the study area are below the standard permissible limits (FAO/WHO, 2006).

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 32

Fig: Poovar estuary

Hydrography of Anandan Victoria MarthandaVarman Canal (AVM canal)

The famous Anandan Victoria MarthandaVarman Canal, (A.V.M canal) in short, is one of the historical important canal which connects 20 places in

Kanyakumari and some places of business interest in Kerala state through water way. It was planned during 1860 by then Travancore Maharaja, Marthandan. The

A.V.M. Canal started at North Paravoor in Ernakulam District of Kerala, passed through Poovar in Kerala and , Kollencode, Neerodi, Marthandamthurai,

Vallavilai, Erayummanthurai, Chinnathurai, , Enayam, at Vilavancode Taluk, Colachel and Mondaikad, It was named after combining his family God AnanthaPadmanaban, British Queen Victoria and his own name

Marthandan. The canal was used for various purposes like transporting paddy to

Trivandrum which was the capital of the Travancore and to transport salt from

Manakudy salt pan. From Kerala also coir and other available products were transported to the coastal areas at Kalkulam and Vilavancode of district. Other than the commercial purposes, people used the canal way for domestic and bathing needs. An important aspect of the canal is that the south

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 33

flowing rivers and the tributaries, having their source in the Western Ghats, quickly drain into the Arabian Sea, the runoff water before joining the sea.

Fig : AVM Canal, Floating resorts.

The present investigation is mainly on conservation and management issues of Anandan Victoria MarthandaVarman Canal (AVM canal) pertains to the environmental and biodiversity characteristics of selected areas of canal impacted by anthropologic activities and need for renovation of this man-made heritage canal. Physico-chemical parameters such as atmospheric temperature, water temperature, light penetration, salinity, dissolved oxygen, carbondioxide, hydrogen sulphide, phosphate, nitrite and nitrate were studied along with and nekton using standard methods. The study reveals that the discharge of pollutants into the canal results into deterioration of hydro- biological parameters of the system due to the toxic effect of pollutants on the growth of various plankton and nektonic organisms and cause oxygen depletion The present study helps to preserve the fauna and flora of AVM canal area which are now facing danger of extinction. The restoration of the canal is likely to have a positive social and

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 34

economic impact on the fishing community of that area as well as being of environmental benefit and the additional receipts to the public exchequer.

Fig. shows the physico- chemical parameters of AVM canal

Fig. 2 : Monthly variations of atmospheric Fig. 3 Monthly variations of surface water temperature (°C) at three station temperature (°C) at three station.

32 31

C)

C) ° ° 31 30 30 Station 1 Station 1 29 29 Station 2 Station 2 28 28

Station 3 Station 3

July July

May May

temperature temperature (

temperature temperature (

Septe… Septe… Novem… Novem…

Fig 4: Monthly variations of salinity (ppt) at Fig 5 : Monthly variations of dissolved three station. oxygen (mg/l) at three station. 3 4 2 3 Station 1 2 Station 1 1 1 0 Station 2 0 Station 2 salinity (ppt) salinity Station 3 Station 3

dissolved dissolved (mg/l) oxygen Fig.6: Monthly variations of transparency Fig.7 : Monthly variations of pH in the (cm) at three station. surface water at three station. 150 8 6 100 4 Station 1 pH Station 1 50 2 Station 2 0 Station 2 0

Station 3 Station 3

July

May

transparency (cm) transparency (cm) Septem… Novemb…

fig. 8 : Monthly variations of CO2 (mg/l) in Fig.9 : Monthly variations of dissolved the surface water at three station. Hydrogen sulphide (mg/l) in the surface water at three station. 5 4 3 3 2 (mg/l) (mg/l) 2 Station 1 2 Station 1 1 1 CO 0 Station 2 0 Station 2

Station 3 Station 3 Hydrogen sulphide (mg/l) Hydrogensulphide (mg/l)

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 35

Fig. 11 : Monthly variations of Nitrate- Fig. 10 : Monthly variations of Nitrite- Nitrogen (µg/l) in the surface water at three Nitrogen (µ/l) in the surface water at three station. station.

6 3 g/l) g/l)

g/l) g/l) 4 2 µ µ 2 Station 1 1 Station 1

0 Station 2 0 Station 2 Nitrogen Nitrogen (

Nitrogen Nitrogen ( Station 3 Station 3

-

- Nitrite

Nitrate

Fig. 12: Monthly variations of Phosphate- Fig. 13 : Monthly variations of Silicate- Phosphorous (µg/l) in the surface water at Silicon (µg/l) in the surface water at three three station. station. 1.5 30

1 g/l) µ 20 Station 1 Station 1 0.5 10 Station 2 Station 2

0 Silicon ( g/l)

Phosphorous 0

-

- µ

( Station 3 Station 3

May

August

Silicate November

Phosphate

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 36

7.3. BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDIES

Bacteriological studies in Poovar estuary

The present study was carried out to assess the bacteriological quality of water collected from Poovar estuary.

Materials and methods

Water samples were collected in the sterilized bottle and brought to the laboratory for bacteriological analyses.

Results

The present bacteriological study in the Poovar estuary revealed that

Coliform and E. coli bacteria are found at a range of below 1600/100 ml water sample throughout the year. The minimum range (<1100/100 ml) was noticed during December to February.

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7.4. MAJOR FISH DISEASES OF POOVAR ESTUARY

Identification of common diseases prevailing among fin fishes and shell fishes.

The northern side of the Poovar estuary is occupied with tourist resorts.

The drainage channels from the resorts and AVM canal, used for retting activities, are the main sources for the flow of sewage and domestic wastes into the estuary.

This leads to the extensive pollution and large scale depletion of fishery resources causing unprecedented anxiety in the fishery sector.

Fig : Septicemia disease in Etroplus suratensis

Present investigation shows that wild populations of Etroplus suratensis are subject to various pressures and diseases like septicemia (Body reddening, skin lesions, swollen belly, septicemia, protruding scales and sunken eyes, inflamed anus, spleen and swim bladder and anemia) caused by

Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the disposal of solid and liquid wastes and the discharge of human fecal matter from adjacent habitations and an increasing number of tourism resorts and houseboats, which are going beyond the carrying capacity of the backwaters/estuaries. These pressures resulted in mass mortality of fishes (Anon, 1995).

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7.5. MANGROVES OF POOVAR

Identification of threatened mangrove species Barringtonia racemosa and

Sonneratia caseolaris from Poovar estuarine area

The vegetation along the Poovar estuary has high degree of diversity. The objective of present study is to in initiate conservation strategies to protect the endangered endemic paleo-endemism. Anthropogenic intervention has fragmented vegetation of Poovar estuary and many species are under the threat of extinction.

They are reduced to just one sq.km and restricted to isolated areas. Barringtonia racemosa is one of the threatened (IUCN Red list) fresh water perennial small mangrove tree seen in the Poovar estuarine region. Extracts from this mangrove species have proven effective against human, and plant pathogens.

Fig: Barringtonia racemosa in Poovar Mangrove.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 39

Fig: Sonneratia caseolaris in Poovar mangrove.

A few Sonneratia caseolaris, another threatened mangrove species coming under least concern (IUCN) are also reported from estuarine region of the Poovar coast. Sonneratia sp. is an evergreen tree with open spreading crown which can grow up to 20 m high. Although they do not have buttress or prop roots, they have thick, cone-shaped and upright densely congregated pneumatophores originating from the underground cable roots. Flowers are solitary with numerous stamens and vestigial (or no) petals. Fruits are fleshy and globule. Sonneratia species are mainly distributed in the tropical and subtropical areas. S. caseolaris investigated in the present study belong to the Family Sonneratiaceae.

Fig: Identification of Poovar mangrove vegetation by CMFRI Scientist group along with PI

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 40

7.6. DIVERSITY OF FISH

Diversity of fish fauna in Poovar coast

The present investigation showed that Poovar coast is represented by

31species of marine fish fauna, belonging to 16 families. Carangids are the dominant groups of Poovar marine fishery, represented by 9 fishes. Out of 9 carangids, Gnathanodon speciosus, Carangoides malabaricus and Caranx sexfasciatus are dominant and have high economic value. They are fished mainly by hook and line fishing method operated in catamaram. The Clupidae and

Engraulidae have 3 species of fishes represented in each family followed by

Carangids.

Rastrelliger kanagurta, Auxis sp and Scomberomorous sp. are the commercially important fishes coming under the family Scombridae. They are caught by both gillnet and hook and line. Lethrinus lentjan, belongs to the family

Lethrinidae, is the most common fish, found in Poovar throughout the year. They are commonly called ‘Vilameen’ and majority of them are caught by hook and line.

Other most valuable fishes in the Poovar landing centre includes Pampus argenteus, Scomberomorous sp, Carangoides and Caranx. But their fishery is only seasonal. The most common fishes include Sardinella sp, Rastrelliger sp, and

Stolephorus commersonii.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 41

Table : Marine fish diversity in Poovar coast

Sl.No. Species name family

1 Alectis indicus Carangidae

2 Alepes sp. Carangidae 3 Ambassis sp Ambassidae

4 Atule mate Carangidae

5 Auxis sp. Scombridae

6 Carangoides malabaricus Carangidae

7 Caranx sexfasciatus Carangidae

8 Chirocentrus dorab Chirocentridae

9 Cynoglossus sp. Cynoglossidae

10 Decapterus russelli Carangidae

11 Epinephelus sp. Serranidae

12 Gazza sp. Leiognathidae

13 Gnathanodon speciosus Carangidae

14 Leiognathus lineolatus Leiognathidae

15 Lethrinus lentjan Lethrinidae

16 Megalapsis cordyla Carangidae

17 Mene maculata Menidae

18 Mugil cephalus Mugilidae

19 Pampus argenteus Stromatidae

20 Rastrelliger kanagurta Scombridae

21 Sardinella fimbriata Clupidae

22 Sardinella gibbosa Clupidae

23 Sardinella longiceps Clupidae

24 Scomberomorous sp. Scombridae

25 Selar sp. Carangidae

26 Siganus sp. Siganidae

27 Sillago sihama Sillagnidae

28 Sphyraena obtusata Sphyraenidae

29 Stolephorus commersonii Engraulidae

30 Stolephorus indicus Engraulidae

31 Thryssa sp. Engraulidae

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 42

Fig : Fish shoal caught by kambavala at Poovar..

Diversity of ichthyofauna in Poovar estuary

The investigation conducted during the year 2016 showed that 21 fish species, belonging to the 15 families are present in Poovar estuary. Out of 21 fishes, 9 fishes have economic importance at Poovar area. It includes, Arius arius,

Channa marulius, Channa striata, Chanos chanos, Cirrhinus mrigala, Etroplus suratensis, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Mugil cephalus and Oreochromis mossambicus.

The distribution pattern of fishes in the Poovar estuary is mainly based on salinity gradient since the estuary is coming under bat-built category. Some marine fishes like Arius sp, Caranx sp, Terapon sp, and Valamugil are entered in to the estuary during the time of rainy season when the sand bar was opened.

Fig : Fishing in Poovar Estuary.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 43

Table : Fish diversity in Poovar estuary Sl. Species name family order IUCN No. Status*

1 Ambassis gymnocephalus Ambassidae Perciformes LC

2 Anguilla bicolor bicolor Anguillidae Anguilliformes LC

3 Aplocheilus lineatus Aplocheilidae Cyprinodontiformes LC

4 Arius arius Ariidae Siluriformes LC

5 Arius subrostratus Ariidae Siluriformes NE

6 Caranx sp. Carangidae Perciformes NE

7 Channa marulius Channidae Perciformes LC

8 Channa striata Channidae Perciformes LC

9 Chanos chanos Chanidae Gonorynchiformes NE

10 Cirrhinus mrigala Cyprinidae Cypriniformes LC

11 Dawkinsia filamentosa Cyprinidae Cypriniformes LC

12 Etroplus maculatus Cichlidae Perciformes LC

13 Etroplus suratensis Cichlidae Perciformes LC

14 Glossogobius giuris Gobiidae Perciformes LC

15 Hyporhamphus sp. Hemiramphidae Beloniformes NE

16 Lutjanus argentimaculatus Lutjanidae Perciformes NE

17 Megalops cyprinoides Megalopidae Elopiformes DD

18 Mugil cephalus Mugilidae Mugiliformes LC

19 Oreochromis mossambicus Cichlidae Perciformes NT

20 Terapon jarbua Terapontidae Perciformes LC

21 Valamugil speigleri Mugilidae Mugiliformes NE

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 44

MUSSEL CULTURE

Mussel culture done on experiment basis

In India, the technology for farming the green mussel, Perna viridis, was developed during 1970s and was subsequently tested for feasibility at various locations along the country’s southeast and southwest coasts by Central Marine

Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) (Qasim et al. 1977; Appukuttan 1980;

Kuriakose 1980; Rangarajan and Narasimham 1980). However, the technology was not adopted by fishers because of risks associated with sea farming such as poaching, weather related loss of farm structures from the sea, and lack of awareness. Although mussel farming was found to be successful at experimental at various centre, commercial production is yet to be demonstrated in India. The most important problems in open sea culture are technological in nature like mooring of rafts in turbulent sea conditions during the monsoon period.

Initial experiments on mussel culture work were taken up at Vizhinjam.

Various experiments conducted at Vizhinjam bay from 1971 have shown that floating raft culture was ideal along Indian coast owing to the enhanced growth rate and simple culture technique. If favourable conditions exist, raft culture or suspended culture of mussels is the most efficient method. Compared to open sea, estuarine ecosystems with less turbulent and shallow depth are suitable for cage culture. The cage culture method avoids most of the serious problem of mussel culture including the predation of young mussels by starfishes and crabs.

Therefore, the cage culture is adopted for the present study.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 45

Training activities.

Pedagogy was prepared to train the local fisher men on mussel culture. The results of experiments conducted on brown and green mussel culture at Poovar estuary from Sept 2016 to October 2016 and February 2017 are presented for further studies.

Description of farm area

The primary survey conducted in connection with land use study revealed that around 200 families were evacuated, who were completely depend upon mussel fishery due to the proposed Vizhinjam sea port project. A place named

“kallumukku” at Poovar panchayath was known famous for mussel fishery because the rocky shore of that coastal area was ideal for spat attachment before the sea port project. Now the rocks were disappeared and this situation made an end to spat attachment. Increase in turbidity during construction of sea port also would reduce the availability of fishing resources, which led to decline of mussel fishery. In order to compensate the loss, the project envisaged culturing the mussel in the Poovar estuary on experimental basis and if succeeded, it should be compensated adequately for their employment loss. As far as geographical peculiarity is concern the Perna viridis (Green mussel) widely distributed along the costal side between Kasargodu and Cherthalai. Perna indica (Brown mussel) is widely distributed the coastal side between and Kanyakumari. Because of the ample availability of brown mussel spat in area, Poovar estuary is selected for the cultivation of the brown mussel part of the objective of the project.

We had conducted a trial mussel farming using cage and tile during the month of

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 46

September 2016. We have adopted bottom cultural method since the salinity content of the Poovar estuary is very low during the closure period of bar mouth.

6.2 Cage culture method

Square shaped cage made up of PVC pipe covered by fiber mesh were used for the culture and the cage was allowed to float with the help of buoy. Around

500-1000 numbers of mussel spat having variable body size (3-4mm) were placed in to the cage and were installed carefully at the bottom of estuary.

Fig : Experimental culture of Brown mussel in Poovar estuary

6.3 Tile method

The mussels naturally colonize in the rocky substratum. It is also attached to the submerged man-made objects such as navigation buoys, petroleum platforms and shipwrecks. Due to this special feature of attachment, tiles are used as substratum for the present study. Spats were spread over the tile and made it covered carefully by cotton mosquito net and placed the tile at the bottom of rocky area. In the tile method, only 200-300 numbers of spat were used. The field assistant visited the site daily. After 10 days of installation, growth monitoring of the spat was conducted and found that the spats were attached to the tile and cage

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 47

using the byssus threads. They survived only two weeks. The death occurred due to low salinity of water.

Fig: mussel spat installation

Fig: Mussel byssus thread formation

The experimental Cage culture and Tile culture were not succeeded due to salinity fluctuation of the estuarine water due to closing and opening of the bar mouth. The salinity of the water recorded more than 10 ppt when the sand bar was opened and salinity came down to 5 ppt when the sand bar was closed.

Experimental study showed that, culturing of Perna indicus was not possible

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 48

unless and otherwise they get optimum salinity range. Therefore, the Poovar estuary is not a suitable site for mussel and sea weed culture.

Culture of Perna viridis.

An attempt has been made to cultivate Perna viridis with low salinity tolerance in the Poovar estuary in lieu of Perna indicus which needs high range of salinity.

250 Green mussel seed (3cm) were collected from the Vizhinjam coast.

Seeds are cleaned and transported to Poovar and kept them for one day with aeration. The mussels were seeded in one meter length of 10 mm rope and seeded ropes were vertically hung from a floating raft. Observations were made on ecological parameters. All the seeded mussels adhered in the rope with byssus thread during 6th day. After one week, all the mussels were found dead. On observation, it was found that the salinity of the water came down to 4 ppt due to the closure of the sand bar. The study revealed that salinity in the estuary fluctuated from 4ppt to 9ppt and was the reason for the death of the mussel.

Therefore it was concluded that the salinity range of Poovar estuarine water was not suitable for culturing of both Perna viridis and Perna indicus.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 49

Fig : Experimental culture of Green mussel in Poovar estuary.

Recommendations

The open sea is suitable for mussel culture both Perna indicus and Perna viridis where they get optimum salinity for their growth and it requires sufficient fund from the funding agencies for further studies.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 50

8. SEMINAR / SYMPOSIA ATTENTED BY PI

1. The ASEAN Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference and Exposition 2016

and the 11th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum - from 3rd to 7th August

2016. Distribution and accumulation of heavy metal in the sediment of Poovar

estuary, Kerala, south west coast of India with special reference to sustainable

development. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC),

Bangkok, Thailand invited for oral presentation.

2. 3rd International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture, Negambo, Sri Lanka from 24th to 25th August 2016. ‘Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in aquatic collected from Poovar estuary, Kerala, south west coast of India’. (Oral presentation and chaired a session).

3. 4th Indian Biodiversity congress – 2017 Conservation and Management

issues of AVM canal- A heritage for future Generations Pondichery

university 10- 12 March.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 51

9. PUBLICATIONS

1. S. Premjith, Prasanth and S. Jayasree. 2017. A Rare, Endemic, Endangered and

Threatened Mangrove plant Barringtonia racemosa reported from Poovar South

coat of India for Conservation Concern, J.Env.Bio-Sci. (accepted)

2. S. Premjith, K.G.Saisree, P. Praveen and S. Jayasree. 2017. Weak

supportive system and livelihood status among fisherfolk in Poovar fish

landing centre, Kerala ( communicated to Indian journal of Fisheries).

3. S. Premjith, P. Praveen and S. Jayasree and K.G.Saisree. 2017. A least

concern mangrove species Sonneratia caseolaris reported from Poovar

estuary ,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. (Communicated to J.Env.Bio-Sci.).

4. Popular article. 2017. Poovarinte ‘Kovalam poovu’ Valarchayude

padavukalil. Kerala kaumudhi-trivandrum edition, February 25. Page 3.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 52

10. BUDGET -FUNDING OVERVIEW

Sl. No Item 1st year Consume Balance

1 Human resource

1. Project fellow

1,84,800 1,40,951 43,849 Rs. 14000+10% 34,887 HRA/pm 1,26,000 91,113 2. Technical

assistant

Rs. 10500/pm

2 Consumables 50,000 40,064 9,936

3 Equipments 2,00,000 1,10,334 89,666

4 Travel 50,000 28,475 21,525

5 Contingencies 75,000 74,958 42

6 Institutional 68,000 68,000 0

overhead

Total 7,53,800 5,53,895 1,99,905

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 53

11 . WORK PLAN FOR THE II ND YEAR

a) Establishment of finfishes rehabilitation programmes along with water

quality analysis in estuary and the culture of mussel in the open sea since the

experimental culture of mussels were not succeeded in the estuary due to

salinity fluctuations.

b) Implementation of specific resource regeneration project such as artificial

reef and fish sanctuaries for sustainable development of fishermen.

c) Establishment of co-operatives to monitor the fishery resources and

encouraging resource enhancement programmes like sea ranching,

aquaculture.

d) Awareness on advanced fishing gears & law enforcement.

KSCSTE PROJECT REPORT-RGIDS 54

12. REFERENCES

1.Anon: Biology, Fishery, Culture and Seed Production of the Pearl Spot Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) - CIBA Bulletin No.7 (1995) 2.George, M.K. Domi,J. 2002. Residual illiteracy in a coastal village:

Poovar village of Thiruvananthapuram District (Discussion paper No.4)

Kerala research Programme on local level department, Centre for

development Studies,Thiruvananthapuram, 44 pp.

3.S. Premjith 2010. Responsible after tsunami- Self

induced conservation package initiatives from fisher folk. Second

International conference in Coastal Zone engineering and management.

Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Nov. 1 – 7