States » SouthPosted at: Sep 30 2026 7:17AM


Vembanad Lake’s fragile ecology explored through CMFRI backwater cruise

Kochi, Sep 30 (UNI) A backwater cruise organised by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) to Kadamakkudy offered participants an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of Vembanad Lake and understand the ecological challenges confronting its fragile ecosystem.
The cruise, organised under CMFRI’s Fish Walk outreach initiative in connection with Swachhata Hi Seva week and World Tourism Day, took participants through mangrove habitats, Pokkali paddy fields and island communities, highlighting the close links between the lake’s aquatic ecosystem, biodiversity and traditional livelihoods.
Flagged off from Marine Drive by CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George, the journey covered the route from Marine Drive to Kadamakkudy, passing around 15 small islands. Students, environmentalists, tourism professionals, teachers, researchers and nature enthusiasts participated in the programme organised in association with GDM Travel.
The participants visited the nearly century-old mangrove habitats at Korungotta and the Pokkali fields of Pizhala, where CMFRI scientists explained the ecological significance of Vembanad Lake and the threats posed by climate change, pollution and unsustainable use of natural resources.
The mangroves were highlighted for their role as natural barriers against coastal erosion, storm surges and flooding, besides helping in carbon sequestration and climate-change mitigation and providing breeding and nursery grounds for aquatic organisms.
The interaction also covered changes taking place in coastal areas due to climate change, the status of fish and mollusc resources, traditional livelihoods, cage fish farming, pollution and the need for sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
As part of the Swachhata campaign, participants collected plastic and other waste accumulated along the shores of Vembanad Lake and cleaned the surrounding areas. Scientists explained the impact of plastic pollution on fish and other aquatic organisms and its threat to the health of the lake ecosystem.
The visit to the Pokkali fields showcased the traditional farming system in which salt-tolerant rice cultivation is integrated with seasonal fish and prawn farming, demonstrating the close relationship between the estuarine ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities.
The cruise also enabled participants to experience the ecological wealth of the Ramsar-designated Vembanad Lake and its wetlands, including mangroves, aquatic biodiversity, traditional farming practices and distinctive island culture.
Tony Chammany MLA and Kadamakkudy panchayat president M S Antony interacted with the participants at the Pokkali fields.
Dr Grinson George said public participation was essential for conserving backwaters and wetlands and that CMFRI was organising such outreach programmes to create greater awareness about aquatic ecosystems and their conservation.
Dr Mirium Paul Sreeram, coordinator of the Fish Walk initiative, said the programme sought to provide innovative and experiential ways of exploring aquatic life and biodiversity while taking the conservation message to a wider audience.
CMFRI launched the Fish Walk initiative last year and has since conducted several editions focusing on coastal and marine biodiversity through different themes and experiential formats.
UNI DS
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