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Our Correspondent

Madurai, Sept 18 Female members of the families of fishermen can easily earn good income by cultivating seaweed, according to Mr Madasamy Sakthivel, President of the Aquaculture Foundation of India.

The Gulf of Mannar, with an area of 10,500 sq km, is a biological paradise that can support the livelihood of nearly 1.50 lakh people.

However, pressure from human activities like destructive fishing is severely affecting the fragile coral reef ecosystem in the region, he said while speaking at Tirunelveli recently. Farming of seaweed as an economic rehabilitation programme will help thousands of small-time fishermen.

As it is capable of absorbing organic pollution, its cultivation can reduce human-induced pollution and save coral reef from degradation.

The Central Salt And Marine Chemical Research Institute introduced two decades ago a seaweed variety called kappaphycus with technology for dissemination among the coastal communities, as the species is versatile and grows fast in open area as well as bays.

This has been in great demand both in India and abroad as it is a major source of kappa caragreenan and liquid bio-fertiliser. Pepsi, Tuticorin and SNAP, Ranipet buy the dried seaweed.

The State Government has also approved its cultivation as a means for the welfare of SHGs of coastal communities.

The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences has lent its policy support for its cultivation, he added. Once its value as a bio-fertiliser is realised, there would be a rush to occupy the water spread area of inshore water of sea. Therefore, a sea farming policy to regulate the development would become necessary, he added.

More Stories on : Aquaculture | Gender | Tamil Nadu

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