Fishermen should be aware of conserving endangered marine flora and fauna and improving fishery resources, said Collector M. Ravikumar here on Monday. They should also be aware of the importance of fighting global warming, he said, after launching a project on Management and rehabilitation of coastal habitats and biodiversity for climate change adaptation and sustainable livelihood in Gulf of Mannar,’ organised by the Department of Environment at a cost of Rs. 24.74 crore. The Collector appealed to the people to grow trees, which could reduce pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. During the last one year, 3.40 lakh saplings raised from 18 nurseries here were planted along roads and other locations in Thoothukudi district. The saplings were planted by workers under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Chief General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), S. Nagoor Ali Jinnah said this project would give a solid foundation for fishermen. Coral reef, which proved to be a haven for spawning fishes, would be rehabilitated under this project. Coral reef should not be disturbed, he said. Referring to a study, he said about 10 per cent of corals had suffered bleaching and seawater temperature rose to 10 per cent from three per cent. Coral and seagrass rehabilitation would enhance live coral cover and seagrass beds, provide a habitat for fishes and other diverse species and improve adaptation measure to climate change impacts. Earlier, Additional Director, Department of Environment, M. Jayanthi, who welcomed the gathering, said this was the first project in Coastal Area Management under National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change.
2016, The Hindu