Proceeding of the International Symposium on 2018 of Mangrove Conservation Program. www

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Mangrove Conservation Program. www Publication of Seacology-Sudeesa Mangrove Museum

Special issue

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Mangrove Conservation Program.

July 27th, 2018

Seacology-Sudeesa Northern Province Community Training Centre Vidathalathivu, Sri Lanka

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Mangrove Conservation Program. www

Publication of Seacology-Sudeesa Mangrove Museum

Special issue Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. Volume 2, (1) July, 2018

ISSN 2602 – 8840 Editorial Board:

Editor – in – Chief K.B. Ranawana, Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya Editorial Assistance H.M.D.R. Herath, Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya D.R.G.W.B. Ellepola, Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya V.A.Sanjeewa Jayarathne, Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya

Publisher: Small Fisher Federation (Sudeesa), Sri Lanka Printed by: Sanduni Offset Printers (Pvt) Ltd No:4/1, Sarasaviuyana Goodshed Road, Sarasaviuyana, Peradeniya

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Mangrove Conservation Program. www CONTENTS

Page no.

Status of mangrove ecosystems in Northern Sri Lanka R.M.D. Alawathugoda, K.T. Premakantha, D.K.N.G. Pushpakumara, 1 T. Sivananthawerl, and M.G.W.M.W.T.B. Dissanayake

Assessment of mangrove vegetation distribution, fishery and water quality in the 2 Nayaru lagoon, Mullativu, Sri Lanka G. Ellepola, K.B. Ranawana, and R. Chandrajith

Leadership initiatives of the Sri Lanka Navy for rehabilitation and conservation 3 of marine environment including of Sri Lanka K. Nuwarapaksha

Comparison of carbon stocks and carbon dioxide removal capacity of Hada Oya 4 estuary and Okanda creek mangrove ecosystems in the east coast of Sri Lanka M. G. M. Prasanna, K. B. Ranawana, and K. M. G. G. Jayasuriya

Development of methods to preserve natural color and texture of salt marsh 5 plant specimens P.C. Premathilake

Mangrove and associated ichthyofaunal diversity in Nasivanthivu pristine 6 in Valaichenai lagoon K.Priyanka, J.M. Harris and M.Vinobaba

7 Distribution of Avicennia marina in the Jaffna district, Sri anka. P. Rajkumar, C.S. Wijesundara, and K.B. Ranawana

Distribution of mangrove species in Anthanathidal and Kapputhu areas in the 8 Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka P. Rajkumar, C.S. Wijesundara, and K.B. Ranawana

Fisheries in mangroves of southeast coast of India for economic value and 9 ecological significance N. Rajendran and K. Kathiresan

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www STATUS OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS IN NORTHERN SRI LANKA

R.M.D. Alawathugoda 1, K.T. Premakantha 1, D.K.N.G. Pushpakumara 2, T. Sivananthawerl 2, M.G.W.M.W.T.B. Dissanayake 3 1 Forest Department, 2 Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 3 Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment

Mangrove forests are among the most threatened ecosystems globally, and Sri Lanka has around 15,000 ha of mangrove forests distributed along its coastal belt covering 14 out of 25 administrative districts. Being located in densely populated areas, these mangrove forest patches are highly vulnerable for conversion to other land uses such as shrimp farming, salt manufacturing and other development projects, other than degradation through anthropogenic factors. Among total mangrove areas available, more than 40% is situated in Northern districts and the situation of these forests are not much studied compared to other areas due to the civil war that prevailed in the northern areas of the country. Therefore, a study was conducted in mangrove forest areas in four Northern districts, namely Jaffna, Mullaithivu, Kilinochchi and Mannar. The study covered 21 locations in these districts and assessed the growth condition, tree density, regeneration, species composition and biomass of mangrove vegetation. The data was collected on tree species, height and diameter at breast height (dbh) for trees (>10 cm dbh) and saplings (<10 cm dbh, >1.5 m height), and count of seedlings (<1.5 m height) in circular sampling plots (10 m radius plots for trees, 3m radius plots for saplings and seedlings). Biomass was computed using allometric equations developed for mangroves. Maximum number of species in terms of both trees and saplings found in a certain location was five in all districts, and the most frequently found species were Avicennia marina, Exoecaria agallocha and Lumnitzera racimosa. In general most of these vegetations are very low in height with average height of trees and saplings varying between 3-6 m and 2-4 m respectively. Most of the sites exhibited high density of saplings (trees less than 10 cm dbh) while tree (larger than 10 cm dbh) density was quite low. In Jaffna and Kilinochchi a large proportion of Basal Area (BA/ha) is coming from sapling category while in the sites in Mullaithivu tree category is more prominent to contribute to Basal Area. Above ground biomass of these forests are quite low compared to other mangrove vegetations. Seedling regeneration highly varies among different locations.

Key words: Mangrove species, growth, forest structure, biomass

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www ASSESSMENT OF MANGROVE VEGETATION DISTRIBUTION, FISHERY AND WATER QUALITY IN THE NAYARU LAGOON, MULATIVU, SRI LANKA

G. Ellepola1, K.B. Ranawana1 and R. Chandrajith2 1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya 2Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya

Until recently, the lagoons in the north of Sri Lanka were neglected due to the prevailed civil war conditions. Therefore, their ecological significance, its contribution to local economy and the status of threat were not assessed previously. Findings of the current study provide information on above aspects of Nayaru lagoon, Sri Lanka. During the study in 2014, an extensive habitat mapping survey was carried out over a period of twelve months. The distribution of mangroves and their extent were estimated using line transect methods and fish data and daily catch information were collected based on information gathered at fish landing sites. Water samples were collected from several locations in the lagoon and they were chemically analyzed after being brought back into the lab. The Nayaru lagoon was located (9°06'-9°l0'N, 80°50'-80°53'E) in the northeast coast of Sri Lanka in the Mullaitivu District of Northern Province (1267 ha). The lagoon has a wide mouth located at the southeastern part of the lagoon. Nay Aru and Palidai Aru were the main freshwater sources to the lagoon entering from its western side. Eastern shore of the lagoon is devoid of mangroves while a well-developed mangrove cover was seen in the southern and western shores of the lagoon. Seven true mangrove species namely Avicennia marina, Exoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera racemosa, Raizophora mucronata, Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia officinalis and Heritiera littoralis were recorded around the lagoon. The mangroves were dominated by Avicennia maraina (relative density 60.6%) and Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia officinalis and Heritiera littoralis were the least abundant species. Cynometra iripa was a rare mangrove associate recorded in the area. The lagoon supported a rich fishery and villagers in Nayaru, Alamphil, Chemalai and Kumulmunai depends (479 registered fishermen) on the lagoon fishery as a regular income source. Gill nets, cast nets, hook and line and crab traps are the major fishing gear used by the fishermen. Seventeen species of fin fish belonging to 15 families, the mangrove crab Scylla serrata and Fenneropenaeus indicus were harvested from the lagoon. Bulk of the catch was represented by Mugil cephalus (52%) and other abundant species were Chanos chanos, Lates calcarifer, Arius bilineatus and Eleuthronema tetradactylum. About 29% of the total catch was represented by shellfish species where Scylla serrata was the most abundant. The estimated annual yield of the lagoon was 9.237 Kg ha-1 year-1 which is a lower amount compared to other shallow coastal lagoons in Sri Lanka. 3- Maximum PO4 concentration in the lagoon was around 0.27 mg/L during the dry season. Due to the 3- high PO4 loads an uncontrolled growth of the filamentous algae in Kumulamunai side of the lagoon was observed. Alteration to the hydrological regime of the lagoon was observed as a threat to the lagoon ecosystem and its fisheries.

Key words: water quality, fishery, hydrology

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES OF THE SRI LANKA NAVY FOR REHABILITATION AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE ENVIRONMENTS INCLUDING, MANGROVES OF SRI LANKA

K. Nuwarapaksha Senior Staff Officer (Marine Conservation & Monitoring Unit), – Sri Lanka Navy

Mangroves are an important marine ecosystem in Sri Lanka which covers more than 15,000 ha of the country. Various human and natural impacts such as development, industrial initiatives, pollution, erosion, , and global warming have caused significant damage to the mangrove eco system in Sri Lanka. Mangrove forests are extremely productive ecosystems that provide benefits for both the marine environment as well as the people. The largest tracts of mangrove habitats in Sri Lanka are found in Puttlam Lagoon, Kala Oya basin and Trincomalee. Mangrove ecosystems are estimated to provide a multitude of benefits worth around US$186 million. The attitude and awareness of the community on mangrove conservation is vital as most of the beneficiaries of mangroves being communities in and around the mangrove habitat. Therefore, the leadership, contribution and commitment can play a major role in making the behavioral and attitude changes of the communities whilst encouraging them with extrinsic motivation to protect the mangroves and other marine resources. Since, the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) consists with an efficient work force and extensive deployment along the coast, the country expects SLN to play a key role on protecting marine environments with their moral obligation and intrinsic motivation. Hence, Mangrove conservation around the country was initiated by SL Navy. The Sri Lanka Navy commenced their Mangrove Conservation project in 2015 and has achieved great success over the last two years through mangrove replantation programmes at all seven naval areas of the country. SLN has partnered with Seacology-Sudeesa and other key stakeholders since year 2015 and has planted 106,358 seedlings of Mangroves in Sri Lanka by year 2017. The other organizations such as Seacology-Sudeesa, IUCN and UNDP has the potential to initiate community based approaches for mangrove rehabilitation through assisting the community for alternative job opportunities, job training and providing microloans for self-employment initiatives. Sri Lanka Navy has given special emphasis to mangrove conservation as it is an important marine ecosystem in the country. Sri Lanka Navy believes that an individual approach would not be efficient, sufficient and effective for marine resource conservation in broader but a great success could be achieved only through inter agency cooperation, community engagement and proper leadership. Therefore, with a proper leadership, participation of both motivated community and stakeholders could mitigate the impacts that are threatening the mangroves and can aid in rehabilitating and protecting the mangroves to conserve them for a better future.

Keywords: Sri Lanka Navy, mangroves, community, leadership

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www COMPARISON OF CARBON STOCKS AND CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL CAPACITY OF HADA OYA ESTUARY AND OKANDA CREEK MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM IN THE EASTERN COAST OF SRI LANKA

M. G. M. Prasanna1, K. B. Ranawana,2 K. M. G. G. Jayasuriya3

1Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, 416/C/1, Robert Gunawardana MW, Baththaramulla, 3 Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya,3Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya

Mangroves have been identified as efficient carbon sinks and stocks. However, their species composition and community structure varies due to several factors including hydrodynamics. Thus, carbon stocks could also be varied. In this research we compared the carbon stocks and net photosynthetic rate (NPR) of two mangrove communities namely Hada Oya estuary and Okanda creek in the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Hada Oya estuary receive high amount of freshwater, while the Okanda creak undergo severe evaporation and thus contain high level of salinity, although they are situated 40 km apart from each other. Seventeen, 10 x 10 m2 plots were established randomly in each site. Trees (> 10 cm dbh) were identified and height and dbh were measured. Light intensity below the canopy and away from the canopy was determined using a lux meter and NPR was estimated using a standard equation. Soil samples were collected from the top 30 cm layer from the center of five 1x1 m2 subplots, randomly located within above plots. Total organic carbon (TOC) of each sample was determined using loss on ignition method. Shoot and root carbon stocks of above two ecosystems were estimated using standard allometric equations. Hada Oya mangrove consisted of Exorcaria agalocha, Lumnitzera racemosa Rhizophora apiculata, Heritira littoralis and Bruguiera gymnorhiza while Okanda contained E. agalocha, L. racemosa, Avicennia marina, R. mucronata and B. gymnorhiza. Total biomass carbon (TBC) of the Hadaoya estuary was calculated to be 396.3 t ha-1 which comprised of above ground carbon (AGC), 336  123 t ha-1 and of below ground carbon (BGC), 60.3  9.7 t ha-1. TOC in soil (TOCS) was recorded to be 110.1  16.7 t ha-1. Thus, the TOC in the Hada Oya estuary was 506.4 t ha-1. Similarly, TBC of Okanda was 332.8 t ha-1. It comprised of AGC, 278.3  94.5 t ha-1 and of BGC, 54.5  8.4 t ha-1. TOCS of this ecosystem was 123.8  24.4 t ha-1. Thus, the TOC in the Okanda creek was 456.64 t ha-1. There were no significant differences observed in AGC (T = 0.94, P = 0.36), BGC (T = 0.67, P = 0.51) or TOC (T = 0.69, P = 0.50) between study sites. Further, NPR estimated for Hada Oya and Okanda mangroves were 2445  263 and 2246  257 gC m-2year-1, respectively and were not significantly different from each other (T = 1.06, P = 0.30). High variability among plots was observed within the same site in both mangroves. Thus, it can be concluded that other edaphic factors may affect more than that of the hydrodynamics of the mangroves in determining the capacity for carbon sequestration. Further, this study revealed the high carbon sequestration potential of the Eastern coast mangroves in Sri Lanka compared to other ecosystems.

Keywords: Total organic carbon, below ground carbon, above ground carbon

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www A NOVEL METHOD TO PRESERVE NATURAL COLOUR AND TEXTURE OF

SALT MARSH PLANT SPECIMENS

P.C. Premathilake

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya

Salt marshes play an important role in flood protection, removing toxic chemicals, providing valuable habitats for a number of aquatic organisms and as an important breeding ground for many species of marine life. Few coastal areas in the north, northwest, northeast and southeast of the island support salt marshes and their significance is yet to be discovered. Preservation of salt marsh specimens is important for teaching, research and museum purposes. Most widely used plants preservation method available up to date is the preparation of herbarium sheets. This method is ineffective for salt marsh plants since fleshy plant leaves fall off and get infected by fungus within few weeks of collection. Further, their color becomes dull and makes it difficult to use for further studies. In making herbarium sheets FAA (Formalin and Alcohol) is used as the plant preservative solution. However, Formalin and Alcohol dissolves the color of the plant giving it a dull appearance. As an alternative to this, Botanists use the ‘Evergreen solution’ to retain the green color of the plant. ‘Evergreen solution’ is a solution made up of Phenol, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Cupric Chloride, Cupric Acetate and Distilled water and has proved successful in preserving the green color. However, this method has only been tested on terrestrial plant specimens. To develop a new method in preserving the salt marsh plants, ‘Evergreen solution’ was tested on them. The plants should be added to the solution within three days of collection. Next the plants were kept in this solution for 3 to 10 days for chemical treatment. The number of days treated may vary depending on the thickness of the plant material preserved. Finally the treated plant is transferred to 4% formalin for storage. Less than 4% concentrations of formalin should be used to store plant material with higher thicknesses. The treated plant material has shown a significant success in preservation of color and texture of fresh plants and is substantially free from curling or distortion when compared to specimens treated in formalin or alcohol. The specimens should be permanently kept in a cool, dark place for successful long term results. However, this method has proven to be successful only in preserving the green color of the plant. Cupric Chloride and Cupric Acetate are the chemicals responsible in retaining the green color. Further research needs to be carried out in developing a method to preserve salt marsh plants containing other colors. These preserved plant materials can also be processed using the bioplastic method to prepare museum specimens.

Key words: Salt marsh, Plant preservation, FAA, Bioplastic Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www MANGROVE AND ASSOCIATED ICHTHYOFAUNAL DIVERSITY IN NASIVANTHIVU PRISTINE ECOSYSTEM IN VALAICHENAI LAGOON

K.Priyanka1, J.M. Harris1 and M.Vinobaba1

1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Vantharumoolai

Mangrove forests are one of the world’s most productive ecosystems and contain immense ecological and economic significance. These ecosystems consist of highly diverse floral and faunal communities. Aquatic fauna associated with these ecosystems are an important faunal group to be studied. Mangrove ecosystems serve as breeding grounds, nursery ground and as habitats for many aquatic fauna including various types of fin fish, shell fish and crustaceans. Present study was carried out in Nasivanthivu which is an island situated in Valaichenai lagoon, Batticaloa district. The study was carried out during February to May 2017. Assessment of Mangrove flora was done using the random belt transect method. Floral species found were identified using standard taxonomic keys and published literature. Fish species which were caught by local fishermen especially in the mangrove area were examined throughout the study period and identified using standard taxonomic keys and published literature. The study site consists of pristine and undisturbed mangrove ecosystems. It includes 12 species of mangroves out of which 09 are true mangrove species. Rhizophora apiculata dominates the vegetation along with Excoecaria agaloocha. Nearly 34 fish species were encountered during the study period in Nasivanthivu. Among the fish species juveniles and brooders were found in high numbers suggesting that Nasivanthivu mangrove ecosystem serve as a breeding ground and as well as a nursery ground for many fishes. The results revealed the presence of Nuchequula flavaxilla around Nasivanthivu. This species haven’t been encountered in other parts of the Valaichenai lagoon during previous investigations. Different Ephinephalus spp. was encountered throughout the study period. Higher abundance of Sillago sihama and Sillago vincenti was observed in the area. Currently Sillago spp have become a high consumer preferable fish after the emerging tourism development in the region. This ecosystem plays an indispensable part in the lives of people living nearby. Majority of them are relying on this ecosystem for their livelihood especially in small scale fisheries. Although, Nasivanthivu mangrove ecosystem plays a significant part in their livelihood, the ecosystem has been threatened due to improper, unplanned development and emerging activities.

Key words: Livelihood, Nuchequula flavaxilla, tourism

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www DISTRIBUTION OF AVICENNIA MARINA IN THE JAFFNA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA Packiyanathan Rajkumar1,* Chaminda S. Wijesundara2 and K.B. Ranawana2

1Posgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Mangroves are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Mangroves are associated with woody, seed bearing and highly specialized plants. Jaffna district has some of the major mangrove sites in Sri Lanka, with large extents of undisturbed mangroves. Among the eignt species of mangroves occuring in the Jaffna district, Avicennia marina is the most common species. Mangrove diversity and distribution has never been studied in the Jaffna district since 1969 due to three-decade long armed conflict that prevailed in the entire northern part of Sri Lanka. Main objective of the present study was to measure the distribution and abundance of Avicennia marina in the Jaffna District. Line transects were used to determine the distribution and abundance of A. marina. Distribution of Avicenna marina in the entire district was surveyed using GPS and distribution maps were prepared using S Q-GIS and Arc View. Avicenna marina was identified in high salinity areas especially in southern parts of Jaffna District and the Islands of the district. These areas are associated with the Jaffna Lagoon and have high salinity because the lagoon is directly connected with the Indian Ocean at several locations. In the southern peripheral area of the district from Ponnalai to Elephant Pass along the coastal line, several areas support a luxuriant growth of A. marina. Within the coastal line, A. marina is densely distributed in Kilaly, Thanankilappu, Kerativu, Ariyalai East and Navali South. In the Island areas, it is distributed in Mandaitivu, Sirudivu, Kurusaditivu, Kurikadduvan and Pungudutivu areas. It is densely distributed in the Mandaitivu area with large trees. Some areas in the northern and northeastern parts of Jaffna also support A. marina. It is rare in the Thondamanaru, Ampan and Chempiyanpattu areas. A high number of seedlings were observed on mudflats in the surveyed areas with a high density of A. marina. Avicennia marina is the most dominant mangrove species in the southern parts and Islands of the Jaffna District. Illegal clearing of mangroves can be seen in several areas within the district, resulting in destruction of these sensitive ecosystems. Hence, more attention should be paid on protection of these species and to promote replantation of this species in the potential areas of the district.

Keywords: Mangroves, Avicennia marina, distribution,Species, Jaffna District

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www DISTRIBUTION OF MANGROVE SPECIES IN ANTHANATHIDAL AND KAPPUTHU AREAS IN THE JAFFNA PENINSULA, SRI LANKA

P. Rajkumar1, C.S. Wijesundara2 and K. B. Ranawana2

1Posgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 2Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Mangroves are small trees and shrubs that grow in the intertidal zones. The Jaffna Peninsula has some of the major mangrove sites in Sri Lanka, with large extents of undisturbed mangroves. Anthanathidal and Kappoothu are major mangrove areas which are associated with Thondamanaru lagoon. Mangrove diversity and distribution has never been studied in Jaffna Peninsula since 1969 due to three-decade long armed conflict that prevailed in the entire northern part of Sri Lanka. Main objective of the present study was to identify the mangrove species and their distribution in the Anthanathidal and Kappoothu areas in the Jaffna Peninsula. Kappoothu and Anthanathidal, which are different parts of Kappoothu Grama Niladhari Division, were selected based on the distribution of mangrove vegetation. Random quadrat samplimng method was used to assess the abundance of mangrove species in the area. Of the total 21 species of true mangrove plants recorded in Sri Lanka, the present study identified only three species. These are Rhizophora mucronata, Excoecaria agallocha, and Lumnitzera racemosa. Of these, Rhizophora mucronata was restricted to one part of Anthanathidal while Excoecaria agallocha is the dominant species in Kappothu. Anthanathidal had a high density of this species (~1.53/ha). Kappothu had a low density of Excoecaria agallocha (~2.21/ha) with a sparse distribution. However, this species has a dense distribution in Anthanathidal. Lumnitzera racemosa was common in all study areas. Rhizophora mucronata of Anthanathidal area always retain soil moisture throughout the year. Mangroves in these areas provide suitable habitats for a large number of migratory and resident waterbird species and other aquatic organisms. Hence, the present study areas show a high conservational value.

Keywords: Mangroves, mangrove associates, distribution, Sarasalai, Jaffna Peninsula

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www FISHERIES IN MANGROVES OF SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA FOR ECONOMIC VALUE AND ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

N. Rajendran1 and K. Kathiresan2

1 Department of Zoology, Govt. Arts College, Chidambaram – 608 102, Tamil Nadu, India 2 UGC- BSR Faculty Fellow, Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangiettai-60852, Tamil Nadu, India.

Mangroves are remarkable habitats for numerous marine and terrestrial faunal species. Among the marine species, fin fishes (teleost and elasmobranch) and shell fishes (Penaeid prawns, crabs and molluscs) are important commercial species. They select the mangrove habitats as their feeding, breeding and nursery grounds because of the nutrient-rich nature, higher food availability, complex root structure for shelter and protection against predators. In India, there are about 543 species of fin fishes, 302 species of molluscan fauna, 134 species of crabs and 50 species of prawns, reported inhabiting mangrove ecosystems. This article brings out the economic value and ecological significance of fisheries in mangrove ecosystems with special reference to a case study in southeast coast of India.

Keywords: Mangroves, fishes, prawns, crabs, mollusks, ecology, economic value

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Proceeding of the International Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems 2018 of Seacology-Sudeesa Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Program. www