Govt. of India Project on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve’s Coastal Biodiversity National Research and Monitoring Moderation Workshop Compilation of Research Papers Volume II V.K. Melkani J.K. Patterson Edward V. Naganathan R. Uma Maheswari Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust Ramanathapuram - 623 504, Tamilnadu, India November 2007 Citation: V.K. Melkani, J.K. Patterson Edward, V. Naganathan and R. Uma maheswarai 2007. Compilation of Research papers, National Research & Monitoring Moderation Workshop, December 2006, Madurai. p. 118. This publication has no commercial value. It is for circulation among various stakeholders only. November 2007 Sponsored by Global Environment Facility and United Nations Developmental Programme New Delhi Published by Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust Ramanathapuram - 623 501, Tamil nadu, India Editor’s Address V.K. Melkani, V. Naganathan, R. Uma maheswari Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust Jawan Bhavan Building (1st Floor), 102/26, Devipattinam Road, Kenikarai, Ramanathapuram - 623 504, Tamil Nadu, India. Ph: 04567 – 226335, Fax: 04567 - 229228, E-mail: [email protected] J.K. Patterson Edward Director Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute 44-Beach Road, Tuticorin - 628 001, Tamilnadu, India Tel : 0461-2336488; E-mail : [email protected] Authors are exclusively responsible for the content of their manuscripts, including appropriate citations and for obtaining necessary prior permission from the original publisher for reproduction of figures, tables and text (in whole or in part) from previous publications. Publishers and editors do not accept any legal responsibility for errors, omissions, and copyright violations of authors and claims of whatsoever. Front cover 1 2 3 1. Plate Coral, 2. Brain Coral, 3. Lion Fish 1 Back cover2 1. Sea Fan, 2. Dolphin, 3. Sea Turtle 3 Typeset & Printed at Rehana Offset Printers, Srivilliputtur-626 125, Virudhunagar Dt., Ph: 260383, E-mail : [email protected] CONTENTS 1. National Research and Monitoring Moderation Workshop 15-16th December 2006, Madurai 1 2. Marine biodiversity conservation in Tamil Nadu K.Venkataraman and V.K. Melkani 13 3. Community participation in marine resource management in the Gulf of Mannar V. Naganathan 29 4. Studies on spiny lobster resources in the Gulf of Mannar, Southeast Coast of India P. Jawahar and V. K. Venkataramani 40 5. Conservation and management of cephalopod fishery resources of Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve through participatory approach C. Stella 48 6. Evolving sustainable tourism strategy and livelihood options for community based marine resources management in and around the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Region J. Murali and G. Poyyamoli. 53 7. Concept paper on proposed bird survey and monitoring of crucial bird habitats in the Gulf of Mannar S. Chandrasekaran 59 8. Chank resources of Gulf of Mannar C.B.T. Rajagopalasamy, Debabrata Panda and V.K. Venkataramani 61 9. Conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Mannar region, Tamilnadu, India P. Nammalwar 65 10. Paleo reefs of Rameswaram N. Gladwin Gnana Asir, K. Selvavinayagam and S. Ramasamy 75 11. Beach placer mineral evaluation using GIS techniques : A case study at Kallar - Vembar coast, Gulf of Mannar, Tamilnadu M. Rajamanickam, K. Selvavinayagam, N. Chandrasekar and V. Rajamanickam 81 12. Environment management system for Tuticorin coast, using remote sensing and GIS K. Selvavinayagam and R. Uma Maheswari 96 13. Conservation of marine reptiles in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve V. Kalaiarasan 106 14. Conservation of shore birds in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve S. Anand 108 15. Monitoring the suspended sediments movement and impact on coastal ecosystem using NHO chart R. Uma maheswari 112 R. RAJAGOPAL, I.A.S., Environment & Forests Department Secretary to Government Secretariat, 4th Saint George Chennai#1, Jeenis - 600 Road, 009 Panagal Building Ph.Saidapet, : (O) 044-25671511 Chennai – 600 015 FaxTel : 044-25670560 : 044 – 2434 8059 (O) E-mail: : [email protected] – 2441 2062 (R) Fax : 044 – 2433 7307 Email : [email protected] FOREWORD The Gulf of Mannar in the south east coast in Tamil Nadu is known for its rich biological diversity with some of the most productive ecosystems such as coral reefs, sea grasses and mangroves and their global ecological significance. Sustainable use of marine and coastal resources is the need of the hour. Detailed studies will help to promote these efforts aimed at conservation and sustainable development. Several research findings have already been reported by various scientists, scholars and researchers in the Gulf of Mannar regions and the Trust has compiled all available scientific information in a manual. The release of the first volume of compilation of research papers by the Trust during a National Research and Monitoring Moderation Workshop conducted at Madurai in December 2006 was a significant contribution. I believe that the publication of the second volume of compilation of research papers by the Trust will be greatly useful to scientists, scholars and other stakeholders working in the Gulf of Mannar area. I appreciate the efforts taken by the Trust Director and his team in bringing out this publication. (R. RAJAGOPAL) C.K. SREEDHARAN, I.F.S. #1, Jeenis Road, Panagal Building Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Saidapet, Chennai – 600 015 Tel : 044 – 2434 8059 (O) : 044 – 2441 2062 (R) Fax : 044 – 2433 7307 Email : [email protected] MESSAGE The Gulf of Mannar is well known for its rich biodiversity with its three important ecosystems such as corals, seagrass and mongrove. Thousand of coastal folk depend on the Gulf of Mannar for their livelihood options and food security. It is therefore important to properly conserve and manage the valuable resources for sustainable utilization. Effective conservation requires proper scientific understanding of the environment. A number of scientist, researchers, agencies and institutions have undertaken studies and surveys in the Gulf of Mannar in the past. The successful conduct of “A National Research and Monitoring Moderation Workshop” at Madurai on 15 - 16 December 2006 provided an opportunity to scientists, experts and researchers for sharing valuable scientific information. The publication of first volume of compilation of research papers related to the workshop theme contained valuable information and was useful to scientists, scholars and managers. In continuation of similar effort, now the Trust Director and his team have taken appreciable efforts to publish the second volume of compilation of research papers. I strongly hope that the publication would be much useful to all stakeholders who are working in the Gulf of Mannar region. I congratulate the Trust Director and his team for their efforts and wish them all success in their future initiatives. (C.K. SREEDHARAN) Dr. SUKHDEV, I.F.S., O/o. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Principal Conservator of Forests & 6-D, Panagal Building Chief Wildlife Warden No. 1, Jenis Road Saidapet Chennai – 600 015 MESSAGE Tropical coastal ecosystems contain high faunal and floral diversity and are important for millions of people around the world in various ways. However, the present scenario for many of these valuable resources is of great concern as their status is declining due to various human activities and also the current practices of coastal resources utilization. The Gulf of Mannar is considered as one of the most productive coastal regions in India with resources like coral reefs, sea grasses and mangroves. This ecosystem has rich biodiversity including 117 species of corals. Unfortunately, overexploitation and destructive fishing practices have lead to loss of vast reef areas and associated resources. The GEF-UNDP project on “Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve’s Coastal Bio-diversity” focuses on empowering local communities to manage the coastal ecosystem and wild resources in partnership with Government and other stakeholders and making all accountable for the quality of the resulting stewardship. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust is taking lead role in the implementation of this project. Many organizations and Universities involved in research, socio-economic, awareness creation and capacity building activities are working with the Trust and contributing their expertise towards achieving conservation in GOMBR holistically. The Trust has already compiled the scientific information from the Gulf of Mannar as a bibliography in collaboration with Madurai Kamaraj University. I am very happy to note that Trust received good response for the “A National Research and Monitoring Moderation workshop” held in Madurai and the release of 1st volume of compilation of research papers in December 2006. Continuing the efforts the Trust is now releasing 2nd volume of compilation of research papers as a publication. This publication will be benefiting all stakeholders of the area. I appreciate and acknowledge the efforts taken by Trust Director and his team and wish them all the very best. (SUKHDEV) GULF OF MANNAR BIOSPHERE RESERVE TRUST (GOMBRT) (A Statutory Trust of the Government of Tamilnadu) Dr. V. K. MELKANI, I.F.S., Jawan Bhavan Building (1st Floor) Chief Conservator of Forests and 102/26, Devipattinam Road, Kenikarai Trust Director Ramanathapuram - 623 504 Ph. : 04567 - 226335 Fax : 04567 - 229228 E-mail : [email protected] PREFACE The “National Research and