The Indian mangrove forest ecosystems provide nursery, feeding and spawning habitats to countless commercially important fish species. Thus, it is of great importance to conserve these valuable habitats. In the recent decades such anthropogenic activities as forest clear cutting and overfishing have endangered this habitat. In June 2014, our scientists travelled to the Punnaikayal mangrove area in India to lead the area’s first ever mangrove fish ecology research.
1.image. IES’s leading researcher Matīss Žagars (in front) during the field research in Punnaikayal mangrove area.
The Aim
By cooperating with the local V.O.Chidambaram College’s zoology department to investigate mangrove channel fish community structure and feeding habitats.
Our Role
Our scientists carried out field research of the Punnaikayal mangrove area. They took fish population samples at various times of day and at different moon phases to analyze them in the laboratory. The scientists also gave a lecture to post-graduate students studying conservation of marine environment, zoology and botany.
Results
We are exploring the possibility to establish long-term research collaboration and a student exchange programme with the V.O.Chidambaram College’s zoology department. The fish ecology research in India has been a valuable base for the development of advanced research methodology and elaboration of applied solutions for fighting pollution of water bodies.
2.image. IES’s leading researcher Matīss Žagars gives the lecture to Indian students.
Project duration: 2014
Project Manager: Matīss Žagars, IES’s leading researcher
The project is financed by: V.O.Chidambaram College
Co-funding: Institute for Environmental Solutions
Beneficiary: V.O.Chidambaram College
