Seagrass Rehabilitation

  • SDMRI initiated pilot scale seagrass rehabilitation activities both in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, covering 200 m2 degraded area each since May 2008. Three techniques were tested initially such as Sprigs (Quadrate), Plug and Sapling method. Success was found to be high in the sprigs (Quadrate) method. Seagrass species such as Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium were selected for rehabilitation in GoM and Palk Bay.
  • The survival of rehabilitated Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium was 87 and 89% respectively. From the third month onwards, the shoot density of rehabilitated Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium gradually increased from 100 shoot m-2 to 113.5 and 124.7 shoot m-2 respectively and in the fifth month, high percent cover (Cymodocea serrulata 30% to 73.5% and Syringodium isoetifolium 30% to 68.3%) was attained.
  • SDMRI recently(2012-2013) completed rehabilitation of 1 km2 degraded seagrass area in Tuticorin coast with the support from GIZ under the supervision of Department of Environment, Government of Tamil Nadu.
  • Presently, SDMRI is involved in rehabilitation of 1 km2 degraded seagrass area in Tuticorin coast with the support from MFF-IUCN.

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