Home / Environment / Fisherfolk's Knowledge Unlocks Hidden Marine Life Registry
Fisherfolk's Knowledge Unlocks Hidden Marine Life Registry
9 Oct
Summary
- A registry documents over 2,000 marine species with 6,000 images.
- Fisherfolk's local knowledge identifies previously unknown organisms.
- Dredging for Vizhinjam port impacted a sea-worm colony.
The waters off T'puram now have a public window into their diverse marine life through the Community Marine Biodiversity Online Registry (combor.org). This pioneering initiative by Friends of Marine Life (FML) has cataloged over 2,000 marine species, featuring 6,000 images and 200 videos. Crucially, the registry draws upon the invaluable, age-old knowledge of local fisherfolk, identifying species previously unknown to science.
The registry meticulously lists over 2,000 species, including 519 fish, 80 crab varieties, and 60 sea sponges. It also documents various habitats and environmental changes. Notably, dredging for the Vizhinjam port project has been linked to the destruction of a sea-worm colony between Azhimala and Adimalathura, impacting underwater ecosystems.
FML is actively encouraging public participation, inviting anyone with knowledge of scientific names for unidentified organisms to submit their findings. This effort aims to preserve local nomenclature while updating scientific records, giving importance to the names fisherfolk have known for generations.
