Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Traditional knowledge of seagrass distribution and phenology in the northern Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, India

Volume 67 Issue 2

V. Balaji, A. Simon Selvaraj, J. Oliviya N. Fernando, G. Murugesan, C. Ancy, U. Utthamapandian and P. Ananthi

doi:10.6024/jmbai.2025.67.2.2609-11

Abstract

Seagrass ecosystems, throughout the world, possess one of the world’s most productive zones and serve as crucial carbon sinks. The seagrass meadows harbour a vast spectrum of ecological services, including stabilisation of sediments, habitat provision and breeding and feeding grounds for a variety of organisms. Compared to coral reefs and mangroves, seagrass habitats in the northern Indian Ocean are still poorly understood, which limits our knowledge of how they contribute to biodiversity in regions like Palk Bay. Though it is challenging to monitor these submerged habitats, benchmark studies on their distribution and phenology are essential to evaluating ecosystem responses. Thus, the current study employs a community approach, using questionnaire-based surveys in fishing villages of two districts, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai, northern Palk Bay region, Tamil Nadu, India, to document traditional ecological knowledge on seagrass. Notable findings were the widespread occurrence of Cymodocea serrulata and frequent seasonal flowering of Enhalus acoroides in the study sites. The results also witnessed the correlation of increased fishery resources with higher seagrass diversity. Species-specific associations were also observed with fish like Hemirampus sp. and Siganus sp. more commonly reported in the areas with high seagrass diversity. The insights acquired during the survey regarding spatial distribution, seasonal patterns and threats from local communities aim to fill critical data gaps and contribute to sustainable management practices. 

Keywords

Palk Bay, phenology, sea grass, spatial distribution, seasonal flowering, Tamil Nadu

Date : 02-12-2025