Tamil Nadu: Pollutants in water put coral reef, seaweed at stake

Rameshwaram: Seaweed and seagrass near Thoothukudi and across the Gulf of Mannar are seen rotting. The region is home to 104 types of corals. Several turtles, sea horses and sea urchins feed on these aquatic grasses. The seaweed found in the area is used in the preparation of medicines and cosmetics. However deteriorating nitrogen level in the water seems to have put marine life at risk.

The quality and quantity of the seaweed has drastically reduced in recent times. Seaweed farmers who would harvest 80-100 kg every 45 days earlier, reap only 10-20 kg every day now. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute are looking at ways to replenish the produce of seaweed.