To push conservation,mangrove forests to get crablets from Tamil Nadu

Nearly 2,000 crablets,captive-bred in Tamil Nadu,will soon make their way into the mangrove forests in Thane and Navi Mumbai.

Nearly 2,000 crablets,captive-bred in Tamil Nadu,will soon make their way into the mangrove forests in Thane and Navi Mumbai. In a bid to boost mangrove conservation as well as fisheries,crablets from Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) crab hatchery will be released at regular intervals (ranching) into the mangrove forests around Thane Creek.

Mangrove areas at Vashi,Airoli and Ghansoli were surveyed by RGCA,the research and development wing of Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). We need to check pollution levels in Thane creek before finalising ideal spots, said a senior MPEDA official. The crablets belong to the same species as those found in Thane creek so there will be no genetic pollution.

Another team of mangrove crab experts will survey the Thane Creek next week and the crablets will be released in the first week of December.

Scylla Serrata (commonly known as mangrove or mud crabs) larvae live in mangrove areas and feed on small organisms found in these habitats,said the official. Considered one of the tastiest crab species,the mangrove crab in their natural habitats can grow up to 800 gm within six months if conditions are ideal. Sale of mangrove crabs earns India around Rs 200 crore each year in foreign exchange and Maharashtra gets Rs 5 crore each year,said MPEDA officials. We are excited about the project as it will increase our income. We lead a hand-to-mouth existence because of poor catch. But that might change soon, said Jitendra Mundkar,a fisherman from Chinchpada,Panvel.

The ranching project will be undertaken in association with the mangrove cell. Ranching will not only provide an alternative livelihood to local fishermen but also be an incentive to conserve mangroves in the area,said N Vasudevan,chief conservator of forests,mangrove cell.

ANJALI LUKOSE

anjali.lukose@expressindia.com

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