Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) Seshaiyana ENVIS Newsletter on Estuaries, Mangroves, Coral Reefs and Lagoons Vol.14, No.1 ISSN June 2006 0971-8656 Hello Readers,

Over the years, this newsletter has Inside this issue.... come in different dimensions covering various facets of the coastal and marine ecosystems, thereby playing an important role in the 1 Screening mangroves in search of astaxanthin dissemination of information to the scientific community world over. 3 Abundance and diversity of plankton in Pulicat lake This issue carries some interesting 5 Starch content in different parts of Sonneratia articles on marine sciences. The first article on caseolaris (L.) Engl. astaxanthin describes the importance, sources and possible use of it in the aquaculture 6 Records of auger shells ( : industry. Following this is an article which ) from Andaman and Nicobar briefs the changes in diversity and abundance islands of plankton in relation to the environmental changes in the Pulicat lake. The third article on 9 Biofuels and biofuel cells from microorganisms the starch content suggests Sonneratia - an alternative source of energy caseolaris as a very good source of edible starch. The fourth article brings to the fore the 12 Bacterial population in Bhitarkanika occurrence of 6 species of auger shells in the mangrove ecosystem Andaman and Nicobar islands. The next article 13 Distribution of yellow and orange pigmented suggests an alternate source for energy – the bacteria in Bhitarkanika mangroves from biofuels and biofuel cells from microorganisms. Orissa This assumes significance as the whole world is looking for a cheap and alternative source of 15 Book review energy with the fast depletion of petroleum hydrocarbon. The sixth article details the 16 Former ENVIS-in-charge is Vice-Chancellor bacterial population in different zones of now Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystems. The article which follows the above throws light on yellow 17 Recent news in brief and orange pigmented bacterial population in Information, News and Notes the Bhitarkanika mangroves laying emphasis on the need for detailed investigation on the 20 Upcoming research meets distribution pattern in relation to salinity levels. An added feature of this issue is a review on a book entitled “Field guide of mangroves of Maharashtra”.

Another refreshing change in this issue is the inclusion of recent news in brief besides forth coming research meets. Apart from reading, the users can contribute articles to Sehaiyana.

Prof. T. BALASUBRAMANIAN Prof. S. AJMAL KHAN Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS

Seshaiyana welcomes original articles, snippets and cartoons in the area of coastal wetlands, preferably, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs and lagoons. The newsletter accepts popular/research Seshaiyana articles, reviews, news and notes. Details of forth- Vol.14, No.1 coming seminars/symposia/trainings/workshops will June 2006 also be considered for publication.

Editors The articles should not exceed five typed pages in double space. Prof. T. Balasubramanian (Director & ENVIS in-charge) Line drawings and cartoons should be clear Prof. S. Ajmal Khan for good reproduction.

ENVIS TEAM References should be limited and cited in the text by name and year. Council of Biological Dr. N. Rajendran - Research Officer Editors' style manual may be referred to for listing Dr. S. Baskara Sanjeevi - Research Asst. references at the end. Dr. R. Rajakumar - I.T. Asst. Mrs. L. Vijayalakshmi - Asst. Programmer Articles should be sent to: Mr. B. Senthilkumar - Information Asst. Mr. A. Subramanian - Reprography Asst. The In-Charge Mr. R. Nagarajan - Office Asst. ENVIS Centre Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology Published by Parangipettai - 608 502 Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Tamilnadu India Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology Annamalai University OR Parangipettai - 608 502 E-mail your articles Tamil Nadu, India (as attached files in MS-Word 6.0) to Sponsored by [email protected] Ministry of Environment and Forests [email protected] Government of India New Delhi Editor's desk invites reader's views, suggestions and constructive criticism on Seshaiyana.

DO JOIN US

ENVIS Centre library collects and collates all the information related to its core subjects viz. Estuaries, Mangroves, Coral reefs and Lagoons in particular and coastal wetlands in general. Hence, the library invites donation of reprints, bibliographic collections, news clippings, posters, photographs etc. from all sources.

Please help to keep information abreast.

Front cover photo : Coral Montipora foliosa Adopted from Corals of the World by Jen Veron

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) SCREENING MANGROVES IN SEARCH OF ASTAXANTHIN

Introduction astaxanthin and 5% free astaxanthin, with the Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring remaining consisting of â-carotene, carotenoid pigment and a powerful biological canthaxanthin and lutein. The eggs of fishes antioxidant, which exhibits strong free radical (e.g., salmon) also contain astaxanthin. It is also scavenging activity. It plays a vital role in the available from processed krill, crawfish and protection against lipid peroxidation and yeast called Phaffia although the concentration oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol, cell is not very appreciable. membranes, cells and tissues. Importance of astaxanthin It is a red pigment and the predominant Astaxanthin is a powerful, bioactive carotenoid of most crustacean species. However anti-oxidant having demonstrated efficacy in when it binds to different proteins, it may appear or human models for addressing several green, yellow or brown. When these health problems like muscular degeneration, “caroproteins” are denatured through cooking, Alzheimer’s (Markesbery and Carney, 1999; astaxanthin molecule has two symmetric carbons Behl, 1999), Parkinson’s diseases (Ebadi et al., located at the 3 and 3’ positions of the benzoid 1996), cardiovascular diseases, stroke and rings on either end of the molecule. Different several types of cancer. Researches conducted enantiomers of the molecule result from the exact on astaxanthin confirmed that this powerful way these hydroxyl groups (-OH) are attached to anti-oxidant virtually eliminates arthritic pain the carbon atoms at these centers of asymmetry. among many people, eases or eliminates When the hydroxyl group is attached in such a chronic back pain, accelerates the process of way that it projects above the plane of the muscle healing, functions as internal sunscreen molecule, it is said to be in the R configuration. to enhance tolerance to sun exposure, boosts When the hydroxyl group is attached in such a immune system functioning, reduces pain from way that it projects below the plane of the carpal tunnel syndrome, multiplies the effect of molecule, it is said to be in the S configuration. vitamins E and C in human body, enhances Thus the three possible enantiomers are athletic performance in terms of both strength designated as R, R’, S, S’ and R, S (meso). and endurance and lowers LDL cholesterol. In animal and plant kingdoms, the protective role Occurrence of astaxanthin to tide over unfavourable Astaxanthin molecules are associated environmental conditions is very prominent. with many of the colours that are seen in leaves, This carotenoid pigment plays many important flowers and fruits. This carotenoid pigment is also functions in fishes, crustaceans and several found in a number of aquatic flora and fauna like aquatic like improved protection against fish species (salmon, red seabream etc.), oxidation and photo-oxidation, reproduction and crustaceans (shrimps, lobsters etc.) and development, immune response, resistance to microalgae (like Haematococcus pluvialis). diseases and in communication system. Recent Haematococcus pluvialis is believed to be the research has shown that astaxanthin acts like a world’s richest known source of astaxanthin. This vitamin for salmon. Now-a-day astaxanthin is species has wide global distribution and occurs used in the feed of farm raised salmon to in continental and coastal rock pools, water impart their flesh the same pink colour of wild holes and other similar aquatic bodies. During salmon and also in poultry feed to augment the adverse environmental conditions, for instance yellow colour of egg yolk. when aquatic nutrient depletion becomes extremely acute or when prolonged dry condition Considering the wide role of exists, this flagellated algae switch on to the astaxanthin in several sectors ranging from resting phase when it starts accumulating high aquaculture to pharmaceutical spheres, a study amount of astaxanthin (3% or more of their dry was carried out in Indian Sundarbans region to weight). The carotenoid fraction of identify the astaxanthin base in the mangrove Haematococcus algae contains about 70% gene pool. Among the 34 mangrove species monoesters of astaxanthin, 10% diesters of and several associate species occurring in

1 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) Indian Sundarbans, few dominant mangrove people. This will not only defray the people from species and few selective associate flora have illegal entry into the forest but will also improve been considered in the present study and the the animal and fish nutrition sector of the area astaxanthin content in them is given in Table 1. through setting up of small-scale feed units.

Table 1. Astaxanthin content in mangrove and References associated species Behl, C., 1999. Alzheimer’s disease and oxidative stress: implications for novel therapeutic Mangroves and associated Content approaches. Prog. Neurobiol., 57(3): 301 - 323. species (mg/kg) Avicennia officinalis 3830 Ebadi, M., S.K. Srinivasan and M.D. Baxi, 1996. Porterasia coarctata 108.8 Oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy in Enteromorpha intestinalis 931.2 Parkinson’s disease. Prog. Neurobiol., 48(1): Ulva lactuca 1238.40 1 - 19. Catenella repens 451.2 Suaeda sp. 86.4 Markesbery, W.R. and J.M. Carney, 1999. Oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Brain Pathol., 9: 133 - 146. Conclusion Astaxanthin is an important feed Abhijit Mitra, Kakoli Banerjee* ingredient both in pisciculture and animal and Arnab Banerjee** husbandry sector owing to its wide application as Dept. of Marine Science, Univ. of Calcutta anti-oxidant. In Indian Sundarbans, quite a large 35 B.C. Road, Kolkata – 700 019 number of people are dependent upon the forest *WWF-India Secretariat resources for their livelihood. This often creates Tiger and Wildlife Programme a negative impact on the natural resource base of Canning Field Office the zone. The present programme may open an 24 Parganas (S) – 743 329 avenue of preparing fish feed, poultry and cattle **Boolean Logic Pvt. Ltd., 19, North feed by utilizing the astaxanthin base of Sreerampur Road, Kolkata – 700 084 mangroves through involvement of the local

Climate change, coral bleaching and the future of the world’s coral reefs Sea temperature in many tropical regions has increased by almost 1 degree C over the past 100 years, and is currently increasing at the rate of 1-2 degrees C per century. Coral bleaching occurs when the thermal tolerance of corals and their photosynthetic symbionts (zooanthellae) is exceeded. Mass coral bleaching has occurred in association with episodes of elevated sea temperatures over the past 20 years and involves the loss of the zooxanthellae following chronic photoinhibition. Mass bleaching has resulted in significant losses of live coral in many parts of the world. This paper considers the biochemical, physiological and ecological perspectives of coral bleaching. It also uses the outputs of four runs from three models of global climate which simulate changes in sea temperature and hence how the frequency and intensity of bleaching events will change over the next 100 years. The results suggest that the thermal tolerances of reef-building corals are likely to be exceeded every year within the next few decades. Events as severe as the 1998 event, the worst on record, are likely to become common within 20 years. It was further suggested that the capacity for acclimation by corals has already been exceeded, and that adaptation will be too slow to avert a decline in the quality of the world’s reefs. The rapidity of the changes that are predicted indicates a major problem for tropical marine ecosystems and suggests that unrestrained warming cannot occur without the loss and degradation of coral reefs on a global scale.

Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Marine and Freshwater Research, 50(8):839-866 (1999)

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 2 ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF PLANKTON IN PULICAT LAKE

Introduction (7.8 ±.3.9 ind./l) and were represented only by The north Chennai area of Tamilnadu is two species. The cladocerans were present only full of industries, majority of them polluting the during the monsoon months when the salinity ground water and the coastal waters. Pulicat is dropped considerably (below 20‰) and their the second largest brackishwater lake in the abundance was also too low (1.3 ± 2.1 ind./l). country with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The lake is known as a major fishing centre. It The phytoplankton were represented by has an average water spread area of about 462 sq. 98 species. The cyanophyceae with 11 species km and its southern end opens into the Bay of was the most abundant group (an average of Bengal at Pulicat town. There are plenty of 108084 cells/l), followed by bacillariophyceae migratory birds visiting Yeourupattu and which had an average abundance of 102668 Neelapattu of Pulicat and, hence, it is a cells/l. Chlorophyceae and dynophyceae were recognized bird sanctuary. The lake is known for represented by 5 species each and had average its rich fauna of fin fishes, shrimps, crabs, abundances of 2248 and 1139 cells/l respectively. molluscs and seaweeds. Large quantities of shrimps caught here are being exported too. The The mouth region of estuary was lake also functions as a nursery for quite a large dominated by diatoms while other regions studied number of commercially important organisms. by blue-green algae during most of the occasions. The abundance of Asterionella The International Union for glacialis was found up to 1, 29,000 cells/l during Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources August 2003. Among the blue-green algae (IUCN) recently declared the Pulicat lake as a Oscillatoria limosa and Spirulina laxissima RAMSAR site of international importance and showed higher abundance during the monsoon the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) declared season. The seasonal changes were prominent it a protected area. As per the Coastal Regulation with an increase in the zooplankton abundance Zone Notification (1991) the entire Pulicat water during the monsoon and post monsoon seasons. system, including the lagoon, the Ennore creek An increase in the phytoplankton abundance and the Buckingham canal, is designated as Zone was also observed during the monsoon and post I (CRZ I) (Sanjeevaraj, 2006). monsoon seasons. Increase in the abundance of green algae was more prominent. The Shannon- The present study deals with the Wiener diversity of zooplankton varied from 1.26 plankton recorded in the estuarine zone of the to 2.66 and of phytoplankton between 0.87 and Pulicat lake. Rotifers were the most abundant 2.56. zooplankton group with an average abundance of 932 ± 610.7 ind./l. The highest abundance of 3496 Many investigators have studied ind./l was recorded during December 2002. Pulicat lake in the recent past. Raman et al. (1975) Brachionus plicatilis was the most dominant made observations on the plankton, benthic flora species among the rotifers. It was recorded and fauna of Pulicat lake during pre-monsoon, almost during all the months. The copepod was monsoon and post-monsoon seasons between the second abundant group (average abundance June 1972 and 1973. They found the diversity of - 38.6 ± 12.9 ind./l.). Acartia tonsa and Oithona plankton to be rich. Ramachandran (2001) listed similis were the most dominant copepod species. the various species of plankton available in the The harpacticoid group of copepod was Pulicat lake. Raman et al. (1990) opined that the represented by two species namely Euterpina phytoplankton flora of Pulicat lake resembles that acutifrons and Bryocamptus hiemalis. of the Chilka lake. Asterionella glacialis and Oscillatoria limosa were the primary bloom The tintinnids were represented only by forming species recorded during their study. a few species among which Favella philippinensis was recorded frequently. The Conclusion average abundance of tintinnid was 31.2 ± 13.1 According to Linton and Warner (2003), ind./l. The ostracods were very less in abundance stress is generally thought to induce both

3 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) quantitative and qualitative changes in the Raman, K., K.V. Ramakrishna, S. Radhakrishnan structure and functioning of communities. and G.R.M. Rao, 1975. Studies on the Structural changes are usually assessed by hydrobiology and benthic ecology of lake analyzing species diversity and/or composition. Pulicat. Bull. Dept. Mar. Sci. Univ. Cochin, VII: 855-884. In the present study the structure of the community, represented by species diversity Raman, A.V., Ch. Sathyanarayana, K. Adiseshasai showed a strong seasonal and spatial difference. and K. Pani Prakash, 1990. Phytoplankton The Oithona sp. is probably the most abundant characteristics of Chilka Lake, a copepod in the world and it is a eurythermal, brackishwater lagoon along east coast of euryhaline and omnivorous species adapted to a India. Indian J. Mar. Sci., 19: 274-277. wide range of habitats. Acartia tonsa is reported to be associated with higher temperatures in the Sanjeevaraj, P.J., 2006. Participatory learning Schelde estuary (Tackx et al., 2004), which is also action network & training trust (PLANT). evident in our study. Workshop on Coastal Resources of Pulicat Region: Strategies for enhancement of fishery Gouda and Panigrahy (1996) observed resources & Conservation, 23 March 2006, increased phytoplankton standing stock Chennai. associated with increased nutrient concentration. Blooms of diatom Asterionella glacialis were Tackx, M.M., N.D. Pauw, R.V. Mieghem, F. Azemar, reported from the coastal waters off Gopalpur and A. Hannouti, S.V. Damme, F. Fiers, N. Daro the cell counts were about 40% to 83% of the and P. Meire, 2004. Zooplankton in the total phytoplankton abundance. Similar blooms Schelde estuary, Belgium and The were observed in Pulicat estuary with the range Netherlands : Spatial and temporal patterns. of cell counts of the bloom forming species being J. Plankton Res., 26(2): 133 - 141. 50% - 80% of the total phytoplankton abundance. Diatom blooms observed in the Pulicat estuary P. Elayaraja and R. Ramanibai were similar to those recorded from Bahuda Biomonitoring Laboratory estuary by Mishra and Panigrahy (1995). The Department of Zoology present study showed that the plankton University of Madras, Chennai – 600 025 composition and abundance pattern were closely E-mail: [email protected]; associated with the seasonal changes in nutrients [email protected] level.

References Gouda, R. and R.C. Panigrahy, 1996. Ecology of Ocean microbe census discovers phytoplankton in coastal waters off Gopalpur, east coast of India. Indian J. Mar. diverse world of rare bacteria Sci., 25: 81-84. In a paper published in the Proceedings Linton, D.M. and F. Warner, 2003. Biological of the National Academy of Sciences indicators in the Caribbean coastal zone and journal in the U.S. (July 31, online early their role in integrated coastal management. edition), scientists have mentioned that Ocean Coast. Manage., 46: 261-276. the marine microbial diversity may be 10 to 100 times more than expected. These Mishra, S. and R.C. Panigrahy, 1995. Occurrence vast majority of less abundant and of diatom blooms in Bahuda estuary, east previously unknown organisms are coast of India. Indian J. Mar. Sci., 24: 99-101. theorized to play an important role in the marine environment as part of a “rare Ramachandran, S., 2001. Coastal environment and biosphere.” For details contact: Terry management in India. In: Coastal Collins ([email protected]) Environment and Management. IOM, Anna University.

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 4 STARCH CONTENT IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF SONNERATIA CASEOLARIS (L.) ENGL. Starch being an energy reserve in most gelatinization temperature range was in between of the plants has great economic importance. It 58 and 60°C and the granule size ranged between is used in various forms as food and for 3.7 and 4.0 μm. preparation of gels, pastes, adhesives, dried coating films and other high molecular weight The starch powder showed very low polymers which have wide industrial uses. It is moisture level (0.47%) and high ash (5.2%) the most widely distributed naturally occurring percentage. It was contributed by the minerals organic compound present in the tissues of many such as calcium, potassium, chlorides, sodium plants. etc.

Mangroves are known for high levels of The fruits of S. caseolaris are edible and carbohydrates in their tissues (Chirputkar, 1969; eaten by people in the Konkan region of Bhosale, 1974; Mulik, 1987). Therefore, for Maharashtra. The present study indicates that testing the potential of Sonneratia caseolaris as fruit is comparatively a good source of starch and a source of starch, the present study was carried edible starch can thus be obtained from out. Among the various fractions of carbohydrate, S. caseolaris. starch is the dominant one playing a key role in the salt tolerance of this species. References Bhosale, L.J., 1974. Physiology of salt tolerance All the reproductive parts of Sonneratia of plants. Ph.D. Thesis, Shivaji University, are rich in starch. The fruits show moderate level Kolhapur, India. of starch (4.42%). The starch fraction is dominated by amylopectin. While high mineral Chirputkar, M.D., 1969. Physiological studies in level (Na and K) affects the starch content in marine plants of Bombay. Ph. D. Thesis, reproductive parts, both Na and K remain parallel University of Bombay, Mumbai, India. in vegetative parts. Mulik, N.G., 1987. Studies on some aspects of Attempt was also made to isolate the mangroves. Ph.D. Thesis, Shivaji University, starch from the fruits of the species. The isolated Kolhapur, India. starch was further confirmed with x-ray diffraction studies. It was found to be comparable A. B. Telave and N. S. Chavan with potato starch. The starch powder showed Department of Botany, Shivaji University presence of D-trehalose dihydrate, D-maltose Kolhapur- 416 004, Maharashtra hydrate and Hydrogen tartarate hydrate. The E-mail: [email protected]

Rapid worldwide depletion of predatory fish communities Serious concerns have been raised about the ecological effects of industrialized fishing, spurring a United Nations resolution on restoring fisheries and marine ecosystems to healthy levels. However, a prerequisite for restoration is a general understanding of the composition and abundance of unexploited fish communities, relative to contemporary ones. We constructed trajectories of community biomass and composition of large predatory fishes in four continental shelf and nine oceanic systems, using all available data from the beginning of exploitation. Industrialized fisheries typically reduced community biomass by 80% within 15 years of exploitation. Compensatory increases in fast-growing species were observed, but often reversed within a decade. Using a meta-analytic approach, we have estimated that large predatory fish biomass today is only about 10% of pre- industrial levels. We conclude that decline of large predators in coastal regions has extended throughout the global ocean, with potentially serious consequences for ecosystems. Our analysis suggests that management based on recent data alone may be misleading. Inclusion of minimum estimates for unexploited communities, given in this paper could serve as the ‘missing baseline’ needed for future restoration efforts. Ransom A. Myers and Boris Worm Nature, 423(6937): 280-283 (2003)

5 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) RECORDS OF AUGER SHELLS (NEOGASTROPODA: TEREBRIDAE) FROM ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

Introduction are also there (Ganesh, 2004). They make rather The Andaman-Nicobar islands straight trails in the sand as they drag their shells comprising 348 islands of various sizes, run in a either on or just below the surface. Shallow water more or less north-south direction between lat. 6° species may be found by divers “trailing” or by 45’ - 13° 45’N and long. 92° 10’ - 94° 15’E. These “fanning” the sand with hands or fins. islands are extremely rich in flora and fauna. Andaman Sea is one of the least investigated In shells of this family the aperture is regions of the Indian Ocean. The physico- small, the outer lip simple, the sturdy columella is chemical and biological property of the Andaman straight or twisted and has strong plaits, and Sea was described by Ansari and Abidi (1989). there is strong to moderate anterior fasciole and Good account on some molluscan resources of notched siphonal canal. There is often a Andaman and Nicobar islands is also available prominent subsutural groove making a change in (Subba Rao, 1980; Tikader and Das, 1985; Tikader the sculpture of the whorls which may be et al., 1986). Information on the distribution of predominantly axial, predominantly spiral or both chiton, strombids and conids came to light axial and spiral producing a cancellate surface. through the works of Rajagopal and Subba Rao Some species are quite smooth and glossy. There (1977), Subba Rao (1970, 1977). is a small, oblong or elliptical operculum.

The neogastropoda are the modern The specimens of Terebra have marine snails and include many well-known shells of small to large, narrowly elongate and gastropods such as the cones, conchs, mud attenuate, body whorl small, aperture oblong to snails, olive snails, oyster drill, turnip snails and ovate, surface smooth or with strong spiral auger shells. They have one auricle, one kidney sculpture and often beaded axial riblets (Barry and one monopectinate gill. Family Terebridae Wilson et al., 1994). They are found only in (Adams, 1938) is represented by the auger and tropical warm waters and often move below the pencil shells. Through the present sand leaving well-defined trails. Majority of communication an account of six species of species in this genus lack a radula although some genus Terebra from Andaman and Nicobar is have radular teeth and a poison sac like those of reported for the first time. Hastula. As found here, Terebra most likely encompasses several different groups worthy of Collection of specimens of Terebra was generic or subgeneric differentiation. made from the rocky intertidal zones around various parts of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Systematic account Specimens were collected during the low tide Phyllum : especially spring tide. Most of the specimens Class : were hand picked and brought to the laboratory. Order : Neogastropoda All specimens were preserved in formalin and Family : Terebridae identified subsequently at British Museum based Genus : Terebra on the monograph of Bratcher and Cemohorsky (1987). 1) Terebra subulata (Linnaeus, 1758) The shells were collected from North Bay Members of family Terebridae are one of and Aberdeen jetty. They were common on the the most spectacular groups of shelled molluscs coralline sandy beaches of the islands. The shell of sandy shores and coral lagoons in the tropics grows to 160 mm. Totally 19 whorls were found (Bratcher and Cemohosky, 1987). They often arranged in diminishing series upwards. Body move below the sand. They take their vernacular whorl consisted of three spiral bands of dark names from their long, slender and pointed shells, brown rectangular spots. Other whorls consisted which are often brightly coloured and delicately of two spiral band. Shell was whitish/pale in colour sculptured. Terebrids of Andaman live in clean with minute, oblique transpirals and fine spiral sand on coral reef, as well as in the surf zone of ridges. beaches. Some deeper water species of terebrids

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 6 Measurements: Length – 95 mm; Width of body whorl - 15 mm Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.

Terebra crenulata (Linnaeus)

4) Terebra dimidiata (Linnaeus, 1758) The shells were collected from Ross Terebra subulata (Linnaeus) island and little Andaman. Not common in occurrence. Number of whorls ranged from 30 to 32. The shell has distinctive orange-red colour 2) Terebra hectica (Linnaeus, 1758) with irregular, elongated white spots or markings Specimens were collected from the on them. It can grow from 30 to 130 mm in length. Aberdeen jetty and Wandoor Marine Park. The Base sloppy, aperture elongate-quadrate and shell was moderately thick with straight sides and collumella straight. Spire with one broad and one sharp apex. Whorls were smooth or occasionally narrow. Whorls were arranged alternately with with growth striae. Thickened with a callus at deep suture. The shells were found distributed suture. Creamy with purplish brown and broad mainly in the mid and low tide surf zone. spiral bars. Sometimes unicolorous white. They Measurements: Length – 75 mm; Width of body were common on rocky shores. whorl – 18 mm Measurements: Length – 65 mm; Width of body Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. whorl – 9 mm. Distribtuion: Indo-West Pacific.

Terebra dimidiata (Linnaeus)

Terebra hectica (Linnaeus) 5) Terebra guttata (Roeding, 1798) Shell was collected from Aberdeen and was found occupied by a hermit crab. This 3) Terebra crenulata (Linnaeus, 1758) species was represented by a single individual in These shells were collected from Rangat the collections. This species is rare in this island. Bay and Aberdeen. Not common in occurrence. The shell consisted of 18 whorls and part of each The shell was thick. It can grow up to 120 mm in whorl just below the suture was slightly raised as length. The specimen consisted of 15 whorls a spiral ridge. Each spiral consisted of spots with with a spiral row of blunt, slightly elevated white and brown spots alternately. It also tubercles just below the suture. There were consisted of fine and wavy transpiral lines transpiral brown lines in the groove in between through out the shell. tubercles. They are described as oatmeal in Measurements: Length – 64 mm; Width of body colour. It carried spiral row of red-brown dots whorl – 15 mm. along the entire body whorl’ two on the spiral Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. whorls and three on the body whorl. The whorls were flat sided, turreted, base sloping and aperture ovate. Many shells were collected from the intertidal coralline sand. Measurements: Length – 90 mm; Body whorl width – 18 mm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Terebra guttata (Roeding)

7 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 6) Terebra maculata (Linnaeus, 1758) gastropods Part III (Neogastropods). Specimens were mostly collected from Odyssey Publishing Co., Australia, 218-229. Aberdeen jetty (Port Blair) and Laxman beach (Great Nicobar). This species was found to be Bratcher, T. and W.O. Cemohosky, 1987. Living common in the islands on the sandy beaches. Terebridae of the world. American Number of whorls ranged from 20 to 22. Mouth Malacologist Inc. Florida, 240 pp. was wide anteriorly and body whorl slightly inflated. Two spiral bands on each whorl of dark Ganesh, T., 2004. Macrobenthic communities of brown with rectangular spots just below the the northeast Indian Shelf, Bay of Bengal. suture were found. Spots were bigger in upper Ph.D. Thesis, Andhra University, Waltair, 205 band. This is the largest among the species of pp. Terebra having the capacity to grow up to 250 mm in length. Shells were white in colour with Rajagopal, A.S. and N.V. Subba Rao, 1974. purple-brown blotches on each whorl. Onchiton from the Andaman and Nicobar Measurements: Length – 82 mm; Width of the islands. J. mar. biol. Ass. India, 16: 398-411. body whorl – 25 mm Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Subba Rao, N.V., 1970. On the collection of Strombidae (Mollusca : Gastropoda) from Bay of Bengal, Arabian sea and Western Indian Ocean with some new records 1. Genus Strombus. J. mar. biol. Ass. India, 12(1&2): 109-124.

Subba Rao, N.V., 1977. On the collection of Strombidae (Mollusca : Gastropoda) from Bay of Bengal, Arabian sea and Western Terebra maculata (Linnaeus) Indian Ocean with some new records 1. Genus Lambis, Terebellum, Tibia and The polymorphic family Terebridae is Rimella. J. mar. biol. Ass. India, 19: 21-34. widely distributed in Indo-Pacific region. There are however, geographical differences among the Subba Rao, N.V., 1980. On the conidae of morphological features in different species. The Andaman and Nicobar islands. Records of of the family Terebridae remains Zool. Surv. of India, 77: 39-50. unsatisfactory, due to the fact that it is mainly based on characters of the shell. Currently four Tikader, B.K. and A.K. Das, 1985. Glimpses of genera namely Duplicaria, Hastula, Terenolla Animal life of Andaman and Nicobar islands. and Terebra are recognized. All the six species of Spl. Pub. Zool. Surv. of India, Calcutta, 1- genus Terebra described here have distinct shell 170. features. However these should be strengthened with other features. Tikader, B.K., A. Daniel and N.V. Subba Rao, 1986. Sea shore animals of Andaman and References Nicobar islands. Zool. Surv. of India, Adams, W., 1938. Sur quelques Cephalopods des Calcutta, 1-188. isles Andamans. Bull. Nat. Hist. Nat., Belg., 14(7): 1-25. Z.A. Ansari*, S.A.H. Abidi and C.K. Haridevi** Ansari, Z.A. and S.A.H. Abidi, 1989. Andaman National Institute of Oceanography sea – its physical, chemical and biological Dona Paula, Goa – 403 004 characteristics. Manag. Aqua. Ecosyst., 21- **ASRB, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan 32. Pusa, New Delhi *E-mail: [email protected] Barry Wilson, Carina Wilson and Patrick Baker, 1994. Australian Marine Shell: Prosobranch

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 8 BIOFUELS AND BIOFUEL CELLS FROM MICROORGANISMS - AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ENERGY

Photosynthetic microorganisms, such as getting the right microorganisms which can micro-algae and cyanobacteria are able to harness produce the desired fuel efficiently. The quantum low-intensity solar energy and store it as latent of substrate they require for fermentation should chemical energy in the biomass. This energy can be low and inexpensive (Tanaka et al., 1988). It then be released via biochemical conversion. The is imperative that the production of synthetic structural and storage carbohydrates in biomass fuels does not consume more of natural fuels have low energy content and it is necessary to than what they produce. Anaerobic microbial concentrate the energy content further for fuel fermentation is an efficient and widely used route application. Anaerobic microbial fermentation is an for such conversion processes. efficient and widely used method for such conversion processes. Useful renewable fuels a) Alcohol (ethanol) production produced by microorganisms include The microbial production of ethanol has hydrocarbons, ethanol, methane and hydrogen. become an important source of a valuable fuel, Biofuel cells which can release energy in fuel particularly in regions of the world that have chemicals to generate electrical energy at ambient abundant supplies of plant residues. temperatures have been developed. Fermentation production of fuel alcohol can be through microbial conversion of low cost Fuel produced by microbes has the agricultural substrates high in starch and sugar potential for helping to meet world energy content. Numerous microorganisms are capable demands. Living organisms assimilate and of producing ethanol, but not all are suitable for concentrate energy in their biomass and products. industrial processes. Yeast cultures, particularly Hence, biomass in its various forms is an Saccharomyces, have been most extensively attractive alternative source of energy (Lee, 2003). examined because they are very efficient in Through photosynthesis, biomass collects and converting sugars into ethanol, i.e. cost stores low-intensity solar energy. This can then competitive and are not as strongly inhibited by be harvested and released via biochemical high ethanol concentrations as are other conversion. Biological processes are involved in microbes. both the harnessing of solar energy and upgrading of low energy feed stocks to biomass The following equation illustrates the fuels. basic biochemical mechanism by which the ethanol is produced through the fermentation Photo-biological hydrogen production process. Chloroplast of some photosynthetic microorganisms such as the green alga Chlorella C6H12O6 yeast 2 (CH3CH2OH) + 2(CO2) in the presence of suitable electron acceptors is capable of producing H2 and O2 through direct The yeasts commonly used in industrial photolysis of water. In the system, the substrate alcohol production include Saccharomyces (electron donor) is water, sunlight as the energy cerevisiae (ferment glucose, fructose, maltose, source is unlimited, and the product (hydrogen) and maltoriose), S. uvarum, S. diataticus etc. can be stored and is non-polluting. Moreover, the The ethanol productivity ranges between 1 and process is renewable, because when the energy is 2 g ethanol/h/g cells. consumed, the substrate (water) is regenerated. Selected bacterial cultures were Conversion of biomass energy to biofuels examined for use in ethanol production Structural and storage carbohydrates in processes because of their higher temperature biomass having low energy content can not be tolerance. However, their yield of ethanol was used as fuel directly. It is necessary to not as high as in yeast fermentations (Lee, concentrate the energy content further for fuel 2003). Recently, the bacterium Zymomonas applications. The use of microorganisms to mobilis has been selected to achieve a high produce commercially valuable fuels depends on productivity of 2.5-3.8 g ethanol/h/g cells.

9 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) b) Methane production The generation of hydrogen using microorganisms, or cell-free systems based on Methane (CH4) is an energy-rich fuel that can be used for the generation of microbial components, is still very much in its mechanical, electrical and heat energy. Large infancy. However, there are three possible routes amounts of methane can be produced by of production (Waites et al., 2001): anaerobic decomposition of waste materials. Efficient generation of methane can be achieved Biophotolysis of water: It involves splitting using algal biomass. In microbial production of water using light energy and does not require an methane, naturally occurring mixed anaerobic exogenous substrate. In vivo, the energy bacteria population is always used and cells are generated is normally used to form reduced retained within the digester. During the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate fermentation process, a large amount of organic (NADPH). In the presence of a bacterial matter is degraded, with a low yield of microbial hydrogenase and an appropriate electron carrier, cells, while about 90% of the energy available in molecular hydrogen can be generated. the substrate is retained in the easily purified Photoreduction: It is a light dependent process gaseous products CH4. The end product is a of decomposition of organic compounds mixture of methane gas and CO2 (also called biogas). performed by photosynthetic bacteria. This is an anaerobic process requiring light and an Fermentative bacteria hydrolyze the exogenous organic substrate, which is inhibited degradable primary substrate polymers such as by oxygen, dinitrogen and ammonium ions. proteins, lipids and polysaccharides and Formation of hydrogen is attributed to a decompose to smaller molecules with the nitrogenase that can reduce protons as well as production of acetate and other saturated fatty di-nitrogen. Members of the Chlorobioaceae, Chromatiaceae and Rhodospirillaceae carry out acids, CO2 and H2 as major end products. The photoreduction. Bacteria having higher potential second group is the obligate H2 producing acetogenic bacteria, which metabolise low are probably the purple non-sulphur bacteria, molecule organic acids (end products of the first such as Rhodospirillium spp., which photometabolize organic acids. group) to H2 and acetate (and sometimes CO2). Electricity from biofuel cells Fermentation: Fermentation of organic Biofuel cells could release energy in fuel compounds by many bacteria generates a small chemicals to generate electrical energy at ambient amount of hydrogen. For example, some temperature. Fuel cells convert energy more enterobacteria produce hydrogen and CO2 by efficiently than conventional power engines such cleaving formate. In clostridia it is produced as the internal combustion engine and produce from reduced ferrodoxin. almost no pollution. The basic-set up of the fuel cell is two electrodes placed in an electricity The role of microorganisms in electricity conducting electrolyte, separated by an ion generation may involve microbially produced exchange membrane. The arrangement allows the gaseous and liquid fuels, such as ethanol or electrochemical equivalent of combustion to methane, being used to drive conventional occur. mechanical generators. Possible routes are via intact microorganisms or microbial enzymes a) Generation of electricity from hydrogen gas incorporated within fuel cells (Fig.1). Hydrogen is a very attractive fuel + - because of its high energy content (18.7 kJ/g), H2 Hydrogenase 2H + 2e (anode) which is about four-fold greater than ethanol and + - over two-fold higher than methane. A wide range 2H + ½O2 + 2e Laccase H2O (cathode) of microorganisms produce hydrogen as a part of mechanisms for disposing of electrons that are Hydrogen gas as a fuel enters at one generated during metabolic reactions: electrode and oxidant, usually oxygen from the air, at the other. The anode is coated with the - + enzyme hydrogenase, while the cathode is coated 2e + 2H3O H2 + 2H2O with laccase. On the anode, hydrogen molecules

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 10 split into their constituent protons and electrons. The metabolically active micro- The enzymes catalyze a reduction-oxidation organisms, such as Proteus vulgaris and reaction across the membrane, releasing energy, Anabaena variabilis immobilized in a biofuel cell which pushes electrons round an external circuit. could convert energy in their substrate (glucose At the cathode, the protons and electrons for the former and light for the later) into combine with oxygen to form water. The fuel does electricity (Allen and Bennetto, 1993). A biofuel not actually burn; therefore fuel cells do not cell in which bacteria Proteus vulgaris and produce pollutants associated with combustion, Escherischia coli were used as sulfate reduction such as carbon oxides and oxides of nitrogen. catalysts was in operation for 5 years, Cells that use hydrogen generate only water demonstrating thus its long-term stability. compared to fossil fuel, which produce water and carbon dioxide as waste product. This type The disadvantage of biofuel cell is that of fuel cells is called proton exchange membrane the power output is low (1 kW at 40 mA/cm2). cell (PEM). Thus, it is used for specific purposes, such as small medical and military apparatuses used in the field and in space missions. Biofuel cells are considered to be ecofriendly and can be used as substitutes in order to reduce green house gas emission.

References Allen, R. M. and H. P. Bennetto, 1993. Microbial fuel cells: Electricity production from carbohydrates. Appl.Biochem. Biotechnol., 39/40: 27-40.

Lee, Y. K., 2003. Microorganisms and production of alternative energy. In: Microbial Biotechnology: Principles and Applications, (L. E. Kun, Ed.), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., 655-670.

Tanaka, K., N. Kashiwagi and T. Ogawa, 1988. Cation-exchange Effects of light on the electrical output of membrane bioelectrochemical fuel-cells containing Anabaena variabilis M-2: Mechanism of Fig.1. A microbial fuel cell using hydrogen gas the post- illumination burst. J. Chem. as electron donor Technol. Biotechnol., 42: 235-240. b) Generation of electricity from methanol Waites, M. J., N. L. Morgan, J. S. Rockey and G. Higton, 2001. Industrial Microbiology: An Methanol Methanol Formate+ 4H++ 4e- introduction. Blackwell Science Ltd., 288 pp. dehydrogenase (anode) Surajit Das, P. S. Lyla and S. Ajmal Khan CAS in Marine Biology + - 4H + O2 + 4e Laccase 2H2O (cathode) Annamalai University Parangipettai- 608 502 In this case, the fuel is methanol. The Tamil Nadu direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) runs on a dilute mixture of about 2% methanol in water. The methanol is converted into formate on the anode. The proton then reacts with oxygen as in a PEM cell.

11 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) BACTERIAL POPULATION IN BHITARKANIKA MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM Introduction Bhitarkanika mangroves (lat. 20° 4’ – 20° 8’N, long. 86° 45’ – 87° 50’E), situated in Orissa is characterized by daily tidal inundation and continuously changing salinity. Species of mangroves like Avicennia, Aegiceras, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Excoecaria, Heritiera, Kandelia, Rhizophora and Sonneratia occur here. While information on bacterial population from other mangroves is available (Kannapiran et al., 1999; Kathiresan, 2000), not much is known about the bacterial population of Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem (Gupta et al., 2001).

In the present study as many as 36 water samples were collected in pre-sterilized sample containers from six different zones of mangroves namely: Khola (10), Balizore (11), Dangmal (4), Brahmamari (3), Mahishmari (4) and Brahmani (4). The water samples were analysed for bacterial counts by adopting serial dilution method using Marine agar (Hi Media). The plates were incubated at room temperature for 2-4 days and the colonies counted using colony counter.

The highest bacterial population was observed in Balizore (419 x 103 / ml) followed by 400 334 Khola 3 307Khola (334 x 10 / ml) (Fig. 1). While Dangmal, 300 Brahmamari and Mahishmari zones supported 203 200 medium level of populations, lowest population level was 127observed in Brahmani. Many bacteria 100 56 32 5 11 14 were27 isolated in pure form and found to be 0 endowed with extracellular enzyme activity, 12345678910mineral solubilization properties and antifungal 500 419 activity.Balizore Detailed studies on the potential of 400 298 bacteria from302 mangrove ecosystem of Bhitarkanika 300 187 are going on. 200 114 142 73 79 65 74 100 References31 0 Gupta, N., J. Sabat, U.C. Basak and P. Das, 2001. 1234567891011 Rhizosphere microbial population in some tree 231 mangroves of Bhitarkanika, Orissa. J. Sampling sites 300 Dangmal 146 Phytological Res., 14(1): 35 – 37. 3 200 142 Fig. 1. Population of bacteria (x 10 ) in 39 different zones of Bhitarkanika mangroves 100 Kannapiran, E., A. Purushothaman, L. Kannan and S. Saravanan, 1999. Magneto bacteria N. Gupta and U.C. Basak* 0 from estuarine, mangrove and coral reef 1234 Microbiology Laboratory environs in Gulf of Mannar. Indian J. Mar. Brahmamari 271 Division of Biotechnology 300 223 Sci., 28(3): 332 – 334. * Division of Taxonomy and Conservation 200 111 Regional Plant Resource Centre Kathiresan, K., 2000. A review of studies on Bhubaneswar – 751 105, Orissa 100 Pichavaram mangrove, southeast India. E-mail:[email protected] Hydrobiologia, 430(1-3): 185 – 205. 0 123 12 275 SeshaiyanaMahishmari Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 300 159 194 200 108

100

0 1234

200 159 Br ahm ani 150 DISTRIBUTION OF YELLOW AND ORANGE PIGMENTED BACTERIA IN BHITARKANIKA MANGROVES FROM ORISSA

Introduction Very low percentage occurrence of The microbial diversity in marine and Yallow bacteria was observed in Brahmani and mangrove ecosystems has been documented by Khola zones. The maximum percentage of yellow many workers (Ramsey et al., 2000; Ananda and bacteria was recorded in high saline zone i.e. Sridhar, 2004; Schmit and Shearer, 2004). Since Balizore (33.3%) followed by Mahishmari Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem has not been (26.22%) (Fig.1). studied well, an attempt was made to isolate bacteria inhabiting this mangrove. Two bacteria The maximum population count of namely yellow and orange bacteria were orange bacteria (18 x 103 /ml) was found in obtained. Results of a systematic study carried Mahishmari region. This isolate was not out on the distribution pattern of these bacteria observed in Dangmal, Bramhamari and Brahmani in few zones of mangrove area are elaborated zones. The population in Balizore region ranged here. between 19.04 and 25.04 % of total bacterial count. This area had high salinity. The variation Water samples were collected from the in percentage occurrence of these bacteria may Bhitarkanika mangrove forest (lat. 20°4’ – 20°8’N; be due to the differences in salinity level (Shome long. 86° 45’ – 87° 50’ E) situated in Orissa, India. et al., 2000). Totally 36 water samples were collected from six different zones namely Brahmani (4), Khola (10), The occurrence and distribution of Balizore (11), Dangmal (4), Brahmamari (3) and different types of bacteria in mangrove Mahishmari (4). These zones showed differential environment are well documented (Punente et al., salinity levels. Brahmani zone had low salinity (5- 1999; Abbondanzi et al., 2005). This observation 10 ppt). Khola region had medium salinity (10-15 may add to the information available. However, ppt) whereas high salinity (15-20 ppt) was the present study is only preliminary in nature observed in Balizore, Dangmal, Brahmamari and and further detailed investigation on the Mahishmari zones. distribution pattern of these bacterial groups vis- à-vis that of salinity is required so that salt Isolation of bacteria was done in Hi Salt tolerant strains could be obtained. nutrient agar medium (Hi Media) containing Peptic digest of animal tissue (5g), Beef Extract References (5g), Sodium chloride (30 g) and Agar (15 g) of Abbondanzi, F., T. Campisi, M. Focanti, R. Guera pH 7.9. Diverse types of bacteria having varied and A. Lacondini, 2005. Assessing morphology, texture and colour were obtained. degradation capability of aerobic indigenous Among them the distribution of yellow and microflora in PAH contaminated brackish orange bacterial colonies was studied presently. sediments. Mar. Environ. Res., 59(5): 419 – Sub-culturing of these isolates showed similar 434. appearance and coloration. Ananda, K. and K.R. Sridhar, 2004. Diversity of The bacterial isolate produced yellow filamentous fungi on decomposing leaf and coloured, slimy, opaque and regular colony within woody litter of mangrove forests in the 72 hrs. of growth at 30°C. It was a non-motile and southwest coast of India. Curr. Sci., 87(10): gram positive cocci. 1431 – 1437.

The other bacterial isolate produced Punente, M.E., G. Holguin, B.R. Glick and orange coloured, slimy, opaque and regular Y. Bashan, 1999. Root surface colonization of colony within 72 hrs. of growth at 30°C. It was a black mangrove seedlings by Azospirillium non-motile, gram positive and cocci which formed halopraeferens and A. brusilense in sea tetrad. water. FEMS Microb. Ecol., 29(3): 283 – 292.

13 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) x 103 Dan gm al Br ahm an i 80 1.49%Y 80 5% Y 60 60 40 40 6.25 % Y 20 20 0 0

Total population count population Total 1234 Total population count population Total 1234 Sampling sites Sampling sites

Khola Br ahm am ar i 100 13.5 %Y 80 80 60 60 40 40 20 3.12 % Y 20 0 6.25% O 0 Total population count population Total 12345678910 123 Total population count population Total Sampling sites Sampling sites

Balizore Mahishmari 40 150 250 8.69 % O 30 100 200 20 150 10 50 100 0 0 50 26.22%Y 1234567891011 0 Total population count population Total Total population count population Total Sampling sites 0246 Y% O% Total bacteria Sampling sites

Fig. 1. Percentage of occurrence of yellow and orange bacteria among bacterial population in different zones and sites of mangrove area

Ramsey, M.A., R.P.J. Swannell, W.A. Shipton, bacteria isolated from mangrove soil N.C. Duke and R.T. Hill, 2000. Effect of samples of Andaman. Curr. Sci., 79(6): 696 – bioremediation on the microbial community 697. in oiled mangrove sediments. Mar. Poll. Bull., 41(7-12): 413 – 419. N. Gupta*, N. Sahoo* and U.C. Basak** *Microbiology Laboratory Schmit, J.P. and C.A. Shearer, 2004. Geographic Division of Biotechnology and host distribution of lignicolous **Division of Taxonomy and Conservation mangrove microfungi. Bot. Mar., 47(6): 496 – Regional Plant Resource Centre 500. Bhubaneswar – 751 015, Orissa E-mail: [email protected] Shome, B.R., R. Shome, S.P.S. Alhawat and N.D. Verma, 2000. Agar deploymerizing (agarolytic)

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 14 BOOK REVIEW

“Field Guide To Mangroves of Maharashtra” Major animal life, Mangrove plant resources, Published by Shivaji University, Kolhapur Regeneration and adaptations, Impact of (MS), India. pollution, Conservation and management plan, Authored by Prof. (Dr.) L. J. Bhosale Field tips and Identification keys. It is supplemented by bibliography. It includes more Botany department of Shivaji University, than 200 very important references in different Kolhapur (MS) India is actively engaged in aspects of mangroves. The book runs to 315 mangrove research since the last 40 years, as the pages and includes 54 color plates. School of Prof. (Dr.) G. V. Joshi. Following the legacy of Late Prof. G. V. Joshi, Prof. (Dr.) L. J. The 24 typical mangrove species, 11 Bhosale has done extensive research on halophytes and 9 associates occurring in mangroves. During her 37 years research career, mangroves of Maharashtra have been highlighted she has touched upon quite a large number of in the book. The book includes a separate aspects in mangroves. She implemented many ‘pictorial guide’, where local / common names, major research projects in the field of mangroves geographical distribution, ecology and and biomass production. In association with phenology have been given. Anatomical Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, microphotographs have also been provided in Chennai she also investigated the coastal natural colours. Some of the key observations on bioresources including mangroves and coastal regeneration and plantation have been fishery. incorporated. To enable better comprehension phenology and different techniques of As a unique outcome of her devoted propagation have been added in the text. work, she has produced a field guide to the mangroves of Maharashtra with funding support Tips for safety in the field and field key from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, for identification of mangroves genera will be of Maharashtra State, India which has been immense use to the new comers in the field of published by Shivaji University, Kolhapur. The mangrove research. In short this book is useful doyen among Indian Scientists Dr. S. Z. Qasim, to students, researchers, foresters, planners, President, Mangrove Society of India has written decision makers, NGOs, coastal populations and the foreword for the book. laymen. It has been well received by the mangrove workers and lovers. This book includes different chapters namely Mangrove ecosystem, Species of M. V. Gokhale* and N. S. Chavan** mangroves in Maharashtra, Area covered by *Department of Botany, Rajaram College, mangrove vegetation, Adaptations, Anatomy, Kolhapur-4 (MS) India. ** Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-4, (MS) India

Interested readers may send Rs.50/- Newsletter Subscription through M.O. to

Seshaiyana Newsletter is available on a The In-charge subscription fee of Rs.50/- per year. ENVIS Centre Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology Subscription covers two issues from the Annamalai University date of receipt of the fee. Parangipettai - 608 502 Tamil Nadu, India

15 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) FORMER ENVIS-IN-CHARGE IS VICE-CHANCELLOR NOW

Dr. L. Kannan, has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore. He assumed office on 4th August 2006. He is the former Director of Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology and former Director of Research in Annamalai University. He has 36 years of teaching and research experience. He has very good academic track record. He was awarded D.Sc. degree in addition to Ph.D. in Marine Biology. He has guided as many as 27 candidates for their Ph.D degree and 15 candidates for M.Phil. degree. He has to his credit more than 125 research papers published in national and international journals of scientific repute and co-authored 8 books. He was in the editorial board of many scientific journals, in addition to serving as a reviewer of articles. So far, he has participated in 97 national and 38 international meetings for presenting papers, chairing sessions etc. and has organized 22 seminars/conferences in various aspects. He has delivered about 100 lectures on invitation, in different institutions in India and abroad on various topics. He has successfully carried out 20 major research projects on different aspects in Marine Biology.

In recognition of his academic and research contributions he received many awards and medals from state level and national bodies viz. Pulaney Andy Gold Medal, Tamilnadu Government Dr. Gurusamy Mudaliar Environmental Protection Award, National Environmental Science Academy Award, INSA- The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science Exchange of Scientists Programme Award, Achievement Award and Scroll of Honour-2006 etc. He visited different academic and research institutions in USA, Canada, U.K., Norway, The Netherlands, France, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Australia for discussion, exchange of views, training and collaborative research.

As a member in several national level committees, he played a key role in the formulation and implementation of conservation and management plans and policies of the country. He has also coordinated the east coast eco-region program for the preparation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of India and developed the strategy and action plan for implementation. Considering his expertise in the coastal and marine biodiversity research, he was nominated by the Government of India to participate as an Indian delegate in the 7th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Malaysia during 2004. Subsequently, he was nominated by the Government of India to represent the country in the meetings of the Group of Like-minded Megadiverse Countries (LMMCS) held at New Delhi during 2005. Thus, he has played an important role in the management process as well as policy formulation at the local, national, regional and global levels. Now, as a member of the National Biodiversity Authority, he is currently involved in formulating and monitoring various biodiversity related activities of the country.

He was also nominated by the Government of India and selected by the CBD Secretariat, Canada as a Member in the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Implementation of Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM). He was also actively involved in the development of information document on IMCAM for the CBD member countries. Then, he was invited by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Canada as Expert Member to participate in the International Marine Ecological Experts’ Workshop to review and assess the science-based ecological and biological criteria for setting up of Marine Protected Areas beyond nations’ jurisdiction. Recently IUCN has appointed him as an Expert Member in its Commission on Ecosystem Management.

Prof. Kannan as the Director of Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology and ENVIS-in- charge infused dynamism into the functioning of ENVIS. He was taking abundant care in editing Sheshaiyana and other special publications. Prof. Kannan with his rich experience in various capacities is the apt choice for the right job. Under his stewardship Thiruvalluvar University which is in its formative year will evolve and blossom into a premier and world class University.

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 16 RECENT NEWS IN BRIEF

Global coral reef assessment using NASA images

A first-of-its-kind survey of how well the world’s coral reefs are being protected was made possible by a unique collection of NASA views from space. A team of international researchers using NASA satellite images have compiled an updated inventory of all “marine protected areas” having coral reefs. For details contact: Rob Gutro ([email protected]) 301-286-4044 Healthy coral reefs resist climate change

Healthy coral reefs of Madagascar’s northeast coast have so far resisted the damaging effects of warmer ocean temperatures attributed to global climate change, say scientists who recently studied the region. The survey of a previously unexplored region by scientists from Conservation International documented a much greater variety of life than expected, including one fish species believed new to science and 17 others noted for the first time in the waters off Madagascar. For details contact: Tom Cohen ([email protected]) 202-912-1532 Death of corals due to bacteria fed by algae

Bacteria and algae have joined hands to kill coral – and human activities are compounding the problem. Scientists have discovered an indirect microbial mechanism through which bacteria kill coral with the help of algae. Human activities are contributing to the growth of algae on coral reefs, setting the stage for the long-term continued decline of coral. Reporting in the June 5 on-line version of the journal Ecology Letters, the scientists have mentioned that the above conclusion was made based on laboratory experiments done with coral and algae. For details contact: Gail Gallessich ([email protected]) 805-893-7220

Southeast Asian reefs at risk due to cyanide fishing

The lucrative business of catching fishes alive using cyanide kills living coral and the algae on which coral reef fishes feed. A biologist with the International Marinelife Alliance in Manila, The Philippines, has estimated that every fish caught using cyanide destroys a square meter of coral reef. Cyanide fishing is illegal in the Philippines but enforcement is virtually nonexistent, and the practice is widespread because of the high prices fishermen can get for certain live fishes. For more information log on to www.boston.com/globe Worm found to cause coral bleaching

Israeli scientists Yossi Loya and Eugene Rosenberg have found that the bleaching of one type of coral in the Mediterranean Sea is triggered by a bacterium (Vibrio shiloi), which is transmitted by a coral- feeding fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) during summer. This is the first time that a vector has been identified for a coral disease. For more information log on to www.newscientist.com Review of zoning in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

A Draft Zoning Plan (DZP) for the entire Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has been released. This zoning review is undertaken at a scale never previously undertaken in the Marine Park. Over 10,000 submissions were received and analysed in 2002 in the first phase of public comment prior to the development of the DZP. The DZP, now released for a second formal phase of public comment, proposes a new network comprising a six-fold increase in ‘no-take’ areas compared to the existing situation. More important than the proposed overall extent of ‘no-take’ in the DZP (111,000 km2 or

17 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) around 32% of the Marine Park), is the ‘per-bioregion’ level of protection in ‘no-take’ zones. In DZP the proposed extent of ‘no-take’ zones in each of the 70 bioregions identified in the Marine Park ranges from 20 to 100%, with no bioregion having less than 20% within ‘no-take’ zones. For more information log on to http://www.reefed.edu.au/rap/index.html Tropical fish trade threatens coral reef ecosystems

More than 20 million tropical fish and up to 10 million other marine creatures are caught each year for the aquarium trade, according to a new report from the U.N. Environment Programme. One of the most destructive harvesting methods involves stunning tropical fish with a near-lethal dose of sodium cyanide, which can harm not only fish but coral reef ecosystems as well. The study found that if harvesting is done sustainably, the aquarium trade could help coastal communities in Southeast Asia to fight poverty and provide locals with incentives to protect fish stocks and marine ecosystems. The nonprofit Marine Aquarium Council offers a certification program for ensuring that fishes have been caught sustainably; the UNEP report recommends wider application of such programs. For more information log on to http://www.gristmagazine.com/forward.pl?forward_id=1561

DNA of people and coral sheds light on animal evolution

The discovery of humanlike genes in coral means that the common ancestor of both humans and coral was more complex than previously assumed. For more information log on to http://www. sciencenews.org/20040124/bob8.asp

Australia to protect one-third of Great Barrier Reef

One-third of the Great Barrier Reef will receive protection fully, the Australian government has announced. The move will increase the protected areas of the reef by 40,000 square miles, thereby establishing the largest network of marine reserves in the world. No fishing will be allowed within the reserves, but tourism will be permitted, including snorkeling and scuba diving - which, with some 1.3 million dives per year, represents a critical component of the regional economy. Environmentalists welcome the protection but say it must be increased to include 50 percent of coral reef zones to adequately protect biodiversity. They also say that other factors, such as land-based pollution, offshore oil exploration and climate change, continue to threaten the reef. For more information log on to http://www.gristmagazine.com/forward.pl?forward_id=1794

World's tiniest fish identified

The smallest, lightest animal with a backbone has been described for the first time, by scientists in the U.S.. The minuscule fish, called a stout infantfish, is only about 7 mm long (just over a quarter of an inch) and lives around Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The first specimen of the tiny creature (Schindleria brevipinguis) was collected in 1979, by the Australian Museum’s Jeff Leis, during fieldwork in the Lizard Island region of the Great Barrier Reef. But the fish was not properly studied for years, until H.J. Walker of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and William Watson of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, both in La Jolla, California, USA, picked up the case. Only six specimens of the stout infantfish have ever been found. For more information log on to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3920183.stm

Shark that can live without oxygen

Epaulet sharks, which live in the shallows around coral reefs, can survive without oxygen, and even without water, for extended periods of time. Researchers at Griffith University in Australia are studying the sharks to understand the mechanisms that allow them to do this. The research may have many

Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006) 18 applications for treating medical conditions in humans. For more information log on to www. newscientist.com Evidence of climate change impact on deep-sea biodiversity

Deep-sea ecosystems comprise more than 60 percent of the Earth’s surface and are the main reservoirs of global biodiversity. Climate changes are expected to induce significant modifications in biodiversity on the global scale, yet little is known about the impact of recent climate changes on deep-sea biodiversity. In the forthcoming issue of Ecology Letters, researchers present evidence that an extensive climate anomaly in the Eastern Mediterranean caused a significant deep-sea biodiversity change. These results indicate that temperature shifts of 0.05-0.1 degrees centigrade in the deep sea are sufficient to induce significant changes in species richness and functional diversity. The researchers have concluded that deep-sea fauna is highly vulnerable to environmental alteration and that very minor temperature shifts in deep-water masses can rapidly and significantly alter both structural and functional deep-sea biodiversity. For more information log on to http://www.eurekalert.org Habitat degradation and depletion of species

Human activity over the centuries has depleted 90% of marine species, eliminated 65% of seagrass and wetland habits, degraded water quality 10-1,000 fold, and accelerated species invasions in 12 major estuaries and coastal seas around the world, according to a study published in Science Magazine on Friday, June 23. However, in areas where conservation efforts have been implemented in the 20th century, signs of recovery are apparent. For details contact : Carrie Collins ([email protected]) 301-664-9000 x18

Booklet on Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are distinct and unique habitats found mostly in clear shallow waters in the warmest part of the world. The majority of coral reefs are found within tropical and sub-tropical countries. In some developing countries, food from reefs provides about 25 per cent of the total food supply and 60 per cent of the total protein intake. In India, the reefs are distributed along the east and west coasts at restricted places. There are 4 major coral reef areas here namely Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep Islands and the Gulf of Kachchh. The total area of coral reefs in India is estimated to be 2273.8 sq km.Coral reefs stabilize the shoreline changes, save people living in the coastal areas from natural calamities, and prevent soil erosion. Reef sponges have been used for producing antiviral drugs to treat HIV and herpes. Chemicals from multiple reef species may be able to help fight cancer. This booklet written in a simple manner enables people in common walks of life and students to learn about the importance of coral reef ecosystem and to understand how healthy coral reefs are valuable to the people, plants, and animals that depend on them. Pages : 54, Rs.25/-

94th Indian Science Congress

Theme : Planet Earth

Date : 3 - 7, January 2007

Venue : Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

For more details log on to http:\\www.sciencecongress.org

19 Seshaiyana Vol.14 No.1 (2006)