Sea Waves Calls For Restoration Of Mangroves
Tauktae and Yaas contribute to the buoyancy of water resulting in high waves, sea erosion, and flooding of coastal settlements.
Marine experts see an increasing trend of sea waves, in the coastal areas of Kerala, in the coming years due to the rise in the sea surface temperature. Speaking in a webinar organized by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Expressing concern over the calamities faced by the coastal community due to high waves and sea erosion, the meeting called for the restoration of coastal vegetation with emphasis on mangrove forests, which according to experts acts as a bio-shield for the coastal area, protecting the lives of the residents of the area.
Warming Of The Seas
It was highlighted in the meeting that the entire Kerala coast witnessed a ‘storm surge’ during the recent two cyclones – Tauktae and Yaas. Experts are of the view that with the rapid warming of waters in the Bhartiya Ocean, such storms are likely to hit the coast in the coming years. The dangerously induced winds by cyclones contribute to the buoyancy of water resulting in high waves, sea erosion, and flooding of coastal settlements. This was clearly observed recently especially in areas like Chellanam, they said.
A recent study showed that mangroves protected coastal wave actions and severe surges based on observations made in the coastal zone. The Director of CMFRI said that Kerala had a lot of ideal areas along the coastal zone that can be protected with mangrove forests.
About Post Author
