Bryde’s whale, which was washed on the coast of Alappuzha ashore. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Complex studies conducted along the coast of Alappuzha recorded 417 macrofauna species.
Research has documented four species of Cnidaria (jellyfish), 44 crustacean species (brachyuran crabs, hermit cracks, shrimp, mantis shrimp and lobsters), 185 mollusca species, seven species and seven species of fish and six species, and seven species) and seven species) and seven species), and seven species). saved), and seven species and seven species), and seven species and seven species and seven species), and seven species and seven species and seven species and seven species and seven species and seven species and six species and seven species and seven species and seven species and seven species and seven species. mammals (whales and dolphins).
The study by ARUN CR, a research scientist at the Department of Water Biology and Fishing, the University of Keral and A. Biju Kumar, the vice -chairman of the Chancellor Keral University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, were published in the zoos of India’s zoos.
Types of sea horses
MacRofaunal diversity of Alappuzha is dominated by Mollusca (44%), fish (32%) and crustaceans (11%). The study identified three types of marine hippocampus spinosissis, hippocampus trimaculatus and hippocampus kuda- which are included in the Annex and the Wild Game Act (protection) of India. The vulnerable sea turtles Olive Ridley nest on the beaches of the district, especially on Thotappall. Surveys on board observed the critically endangered sea turtle Hawksbill (Eretmochelys Imbricata). During the survey, a shell was found vulnerable tortoise from the skin (Dermochelys Coriacea).
Among the mammals, the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera Musculus), an endangered species, was identified from video shots provided by fishermen, while Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera Brydei) was identified from a sample washed on the shore on Azheekkal.
Research also documented traditional environmental knowledge (TEP) of the marine biodiversity in the region. This knowledge emphasizes the findings of coastal fishermen ALAPPUZHY regarding sea resources, ecosystems and impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
The study notes that fishermen observe the top fish populations, especially among pelagic species, during the monsoon season (June to September). However, the abundance of molluscs (shrimp and crabs) and octopus is significantly higher from September to February.
Fishermen
It also casts light to identify fish used by fishermen at sea. According to the study, fishermen move small fish in flocks, colloquially called “Poppa” or “Paadam”.
“They identify a flock of fish according to their color and behavior. The playground can be recognized by observing the water surface. The size of the bubbles provides traces of present fish.
A study entitled Documentation of the Macrofaunal Biodiversity of the Coast Waters of the ALAPPUZHA district in Kerala and the traditional environmental knowledge of sea fishermen was carried out with the financial assistance of the University of Kerala. The study will soon be published as a book on a coffee table and a documentary about Alappuzha’s marine life is also in production.
Published – 8 June 2025 17:50 is
