These are the two species that predominate the mangrove patches in the intertidal areas on Chennai’s coast. However, given the significance attached to special days of observance, this season (United Nations observes July 26 as International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem) is even more suitable for this exercise. Here are two subject matter experts, each from a different sphere of operations but united by shared conservation goals, deconstructing the mangrove ecosystem, in the context of the Chennai coast. Masilamani has trained under a luminary on mangroves, being a student of the legendary K Kathiresan at Annamalai University. “With baskets, handpickers can be seen in the mangrove patches looking for prawns , giant mud crabs (scylla serata) and mullets,” Yuvan notes.

Source: The Hindu July 17, 2021 17:29 UTC