Bhiva Parab
Panaji : A recent study has warned against converting mudflats into mangrove habitats stating that intertidal mudflats in Goa are vital feeding grounds for both, resident and migratory birds.
Mangrove restoration should be limited to areas where they have previously existed, states the study, titled ‘Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Intertidal Mudflats along the Coastline of Goa’.
Mudflats are coastal wetlands, also known as tidal flats, that are exposed at low tide and submerged at high tide. They are formed by the deposition of silt, clay and organic matter by tides and currents.
The study states that under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, mudflats are categorised as ecologically sensitive habitats distinct from mangroves.
“These mudflats are dynamic in nature and constantly change due to natural processes like flooding and erosion. Maintaining their integrity is crucial not just for ecological reasons but also due to their significant economic value,” the study, conducted by Dr Nitin S Sawant, Principal Investigator from the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Goa University, states.
The study has identified 10 major mudflat groups across the state – five each in North and South Goa. Among these, the Chicalim mudflat is the largest, covering 2.74 sq km, followed by Agaccaim at 1.13 sq km. The smallest is Galgibag, with an opening area of just 0.02 sq km.
The study, which was submitted to the Research and Utilisation Division of the Goa forest department, states that these mudflats are vital habitats for various faunal species, many of which are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
It also puts focus on the role of microorganisms in maintaining fertility of these mudflats, making them suitable for mangrove growth in areas where mangroves once thrived.
Mudflats support a diverse range of mangrove-associated fauna including crocodiles, mud clams, mollusca, crustaceans and worms. These species thrive in the silty sediments, which are softened by tidal action and allow shorebirds to feed effectively. The study states that this unique environment makes mudflats globally significant as feeding stations for millions of shorebirds.
Crucially, these mudflats also support several traditional fisherfolk communities by serving as breeding and feeding grounds for fish species, mud crabs, mudskippers and birds. “These ecosystems must be conserved at all costs,” the study states.
Calling for better-informed decision-making, the report recommends improvements in both, knowledge and action to ensure conservation and sustainable use of Goa’s intertidal mudflats and salt marshes. It also suggests that the findings serve as a foundation for further scientific research and implementation of effective conservation practices.
