5. MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND COASTAL ZONE

5.1 Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS)

The coastal and marine areas are subjected to constant threat and degradation owing to natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Suitability of these areas for a variety of developmental activities like establishment of industries, ports and harbours, tourism facilities, etc., lead to increased human settlements along the coast and consequent stress on the health of our seas. Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS) programme, being implemented since the 7^th Plan period, was continued to monitor the health of coastal waters at locations identified for one time monitoring along with stipulated parameters for studying the diffusion and dispersion characteristics. The thrust of this near-shore programme is to elucidate the trends of increase and decrease of pollutants in the sea and also the processes associated with land and sea-interface. Besides the studies on chemical, biological, microbiological parameters and studies on physical oceanographic parameters, creation of facilities for referencing of important pathogenic microbes, a GIS based information system on sources of pollutants and a COMAPS database were introduced under this programme during the 9^th plan.

The objectives of the COMAPS programme are to assess the health of our seas on a long-term basis and to facilitate the pollution control authorities to plan strategies required for management of pollution related issues like prescription of appropriate disposal standards as per the assimilation capacity of the receiving water bodies, water quality criteria, etc. These are most essential aspects in mitigating pollution sources, which are showing a rising trend and prevention of pollution in our coastal areas. Unless otherwise appropriate control measures are exercised, a situation might arise which could cause irreparable and irreversible damage to the marine environment.

Under this programme, during 2001 – 2002, 82 locations were monitored to check the levels of pollutants. Out of this, 32 locations were selected for intensive monitoring wherein data on 25 pollution and related parameters were collected for 2 – 3 seasons.

RRL (B); CAS In Marine Biology, Parangipettai; CESS, Trivandrum; NIO, Goa; C-MARS in RRL (T) and NIOT, Chennai, participated in the programme and carried out pollution monitoring studies.

The results obtained during the year indicate the following:

· In Tamil Nadu coast, sampling (both transect as well as hot spot studies) was carried out at Vembar, Mandapam, Tuticorin, Arumuganeri, Kudankulam and Kanyakumari and in Andhra Pradesh at Vizag, Kakinada & Bhimupatnam. Samples collected were analysed for water quality parameters, nutrients and evaluation of pollutants. The results obtained from both the seasons indicate that the Port stations viz., Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Tuticorin were critical points with good quantum of pollutant loads, whereas the other points were not critical.

· Investigations in the coastal waters of Orissa and West Bengal revealed that the salinity decreased northwards along the coast reaching its lowest level in the Hoogly coast due to the influence of freshwater influx with minimum influence of tides in the shallow coast. While the Dissolved Oxygen and BOD values were within the optimal range in the surface water, the bottom water showed lower Dissolved Oxygen value, owing to the oxidation of organic matter carried by the rivers. Suspended solids reduced the transparency in some areas. Higher values of petroleum hydrocarbon recorded in the Paradeep transect and Hoogly estuary might be due to enhanced fishing and shipping activities. Nitrates and ammonia in Paradeep and Mahanadi waters and heavy metal (Cr) in sediments of Dhamra transect were more pronounced. A decline in the population of zooplankton towards offshore was observed. The near shore waters exhibited invariably higher bacterial population.

· In Karnataka, the primary production in the surface water at Mangalore ranged from 22.0 mgC/m³/hr to 38.1 mgC/m³/hr in the post-monsoon period. The highest phytoplankton was noticed at 1.0 km North of 1.0-km offshore during low tide. While the concentration of nitrate in seawater was found to be normal, dissolved trace metals in water samples showed the highest values for mercury (65 mg/l) & lead (2.02 ppb) and sediments showed highest value of mercury (0.85 ppm) at Mangalore. Near shore pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella were not detected from any of the stations during both the tides.

· In Kerala, water quality parameters like pH (1.9), dissolved oxygen (2.86 mg/l) and Biological Oxygen Demand (0.47 mg/l) were abnormally low at the Travancore Titanium Plant (TTP) effluent discharge point at Veli. The amount of suspended particulate matter (20.5 mg/l) and silicate concentration (6.2 m mol/l) was also the highest at this point. The effluent discharge point of TTP showed the lowest microbial count in both water and sediment samples, which is found to be inhibited by the acidic effluents.

Travancore Titanium Products effluent discharge point near Veli, Kerala

A brownish-yellow colour and pungent smell at the effluent discharge point were noticed during the study. Yellow colour of the sea was higher in the northern side than the southern side. The strength of the smell was less towards the offshore. Dense white fumes around the atmosphere and characteristic colour change in the remains of shellfishes were noticed. At the effluent discharge point, the effluent flow towards sea was prevented by construction of a sand barrier near the sea. However, the low values of pH and dissolved oxygen prove the seepage of effluent to the sea.

· In Lakshadweep islands, the waters of Kadmat and Kavaratti were monitored, which showed good water quality with higher oxygen levels and lower bacterial contamination. Lighthouse and near shore areas showed the lowest Dissolved Oxygen concentrations in comparison with other stations. Primary productivity showed the minimum value at the near shore of lighthouse and the maximum values at the lagoon.

5.2 Coastal Research Vessels (CRV)

The Vessel Management Cell (VMC) established in the NIOT operates, maintains and manages the two coastal research vessels namely Sagar Purvi and Sagar Paschimi. These vessels are being used for pollution monitoring under Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS) programme of DOD and also for Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management programmes. These vessels have completed 48 cruises for 17 institutions along the west and east coast of India. The ship time is being effectively utilised by engaging the vessel for various programmes and preventive and periodical

Laboratory facilities for analysis of critical parameters onboard Sagar Paschimi

maintenance was ensured for trouble free functioning of onboard equipment and machineries.

During the above cruises, these vessels undertook more than 1000 CTD observations, water sampling and plankton net operations. In addition to the above cruises, the vessel Sagar Paschimi and Sagar Purvi participated in the Marine Archaeological findings at Gulf of Khambay and Multi beam sonar survey at Tuticorin Port.Public sector undertakings and corporate agencies like Cochin Refineries Ltd., Pipavav Port for GPPL, L&T, IPSEM and ONGC also utilised the services of these vessels.

The two CRVs completed the COMAPS cruises for various Institutions, during the period under report as detailed below:

5.3 Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)

The Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) project is being implemented from 1997-98 onwards. This Project has two major components, viz., Capacity Building and Development of infrastructure for R&D and training. The Capacity Building component, which is funded by the World Bank under an Environment Management Capacity Building Project of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, has four major activities viz. Development of GIS based Information System for 11 critical habitats, Determination of Waste Assimilation Capacity in 3 selected estuaries and coastal waters, Development of guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment studies for coast related activities such as Ports &Harbours, Coastal Tourism and Waste disposal from Marine Outfalls and Development of Model ICMAM Plans for Chennai, Goa and Gulf of Kachchh . Development of infrastructure, training and R&D activities for zonation of coastal waters through Use Classification and No Impact Zone studies on Pulicat and Coringa, are the other activities funded by Department of Ocean Development. The salient features of the progress made during 2001-02 under each of these activities are as under:

Capacity Building

Development of GIS based Information System for Critical Habitats

The main aim of this activity is to develop an information system using Geographical Information System (GIS) for 11 critical habitats namely, Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Khambhat, Malvan, Kadmat, Karwar Islands, Cochin Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Pichavaram, Coringa, Gahirmatha and Sunderbans.

Out of these 11 critical habitats, the GIS based Information System has been developed for 6 habitats, namely, Gahirmatha in Orissa, Coringa in Andhra Pradesh, Pichavaram and Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu, Kadmat in Lakshadweep and Malvan in Maharashtra. For the remaining 5 habitats, the GIS based Information System would be developed by the end of March 2002.

The application of GIS as a tool for assessing the status of the critical habitats, such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass beds,

wetlands and other coastal eco-systems, has revealed that more than the natural causes, the human perturbation has resulted in severe damage to these eco-systems. For example, in the Pichavaram Mangroves, the major causes of degradation include large scale felling of mangroves by the local community for fuel and timber and cattle grazing. In the case of Coringa Mangroves, apart from these reasons, conversion of mangrove areas for aquaculture purposes has also played a key role. In the case of Gulf of Mannar, which has rich biodiversity and extensive coral reef beds, it is found that the most degrading activity that has resulted in loss of coral reef beds has been quarrying of live and dead coral boulders and exploitation of other species for industrial purposes. Similarly, extensive areas of sea grass beds in the Gulf of Mannar are being disturbed by intensive trawling and stakenet fishing. Commercially important seaweeds are being overexploited by the local community creating an ecological imbalance. The rich biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar is being endangered owing to the human intervention in the form of dredging of coral reefs, destruction of sea grass beds, seaweeds, etc. In the Gahirmatha coast, uncontrolled mechanised fishing and human interference have led to a decline in sea turtle population, and shifting of turtle breeding and nesting grounds, respectively, in the past two decades.

Land use/Land cover pattern in Coringa (Andhra Pradesh) between 1988 & 1999

Based on the extensive studies carried out by the ICMAM Project Directorate on Development of GIS based information system for these critical habitats, a number of suggestions/recommendations have been made to the coastal states for conservation and management of these critical habitats, based on sustainability principles. For containing the degradation of mangroves in Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu) and Coringa (Andhra Pradesh), afforestation programmes have been recommended and initiated. Besides, measures have been introduced for enhancing the flushing of tidal waters in the interior areas of the mangroves, which is essential for the growth of mangroves as well as dispersal of mangrove seedlings, larvae of finfish and shellfish and transport of nutrients from mangrove to coastal

waters.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Andhra Pradesh Forest Department and M/s M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, have taken steps for conservation and management of mangrove eco-system in Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu) and Coringa (Andhra Pradesh). They have been carrying out afforestation measures by digging channels and replanting species such as Avicennia and Rhizophora. Awareness is created among the local community in the vicinity of Coringa on the importance of mangroves in an effort to reduce the pressure on mangroves. For conservation of sea turtles of Gahirmatha coast and for reducing their mortality, creation of facilities for nesting, incubation, hatching and protection of hatchlings along the beach, protection of the nesting ground by minimising the human intervention/interference in the nesting area, use of turtle excluder device in the trawlers operating off Orissa coast, are the measures suggested, on the basis of the study conducted by the ICMAM Project Directorate. In the Gulf of Mannar for the management of the coral reef eco-system and conservation of biodiversity, demarcation of marine protected areas or areas closed to fishing; adopting and enforcing of suitable legislation for protecting coral reefs and preventing coral mining, seaweed and sea grass eco-systems, creation of awareness among the coastal communities, etc., have been advocated.

Determination of Waste Assimilation Capacity

The available data on sources of pollution in the project area and status of marine pollution were reviewed; primary data relating to water quality, hydrodynamics, topography, discharge and obstruction characteristics were collected after establishing water quality control/assurance procedures; a suitable model for hydrodynamics and water quality, model calibration and validation were selected using the primary data; an ecological model to study the impact of water quality changes with bio-diversity was developed, these models were simulated for different alternatives and discharges considering the techno-economic feasibility of treatment, recycle/reuse and discharge options for both point and non-point source and a cost effective Waste Load Allocation option was determined in consultation with the users and the waste load allocation for Tapi Estuary was determined and the report submitted. In respect of the Ennore Creek, the data so far collected have been compiled and the analysis and modelling are progressing. Similar studies for Hoogly estuary were initiated and the first phase sampling was completed.

The Waste Assimilation Capacity studies carried out on Tapi estuary indicated that this estuarine system’s assimilative capacity in comparison to the existing water quality standards has already exceeded the prescribed limits. The modelling studies carried out indicated that based on the expected population growth for the next 10 years, substantial treatment of domestic sewage would be required if the dissolved oxygen levels in the estuarine systems are to be substantially improved. The upstream water diversion, which has direct influence on downstream water quality should not be increased during the low flow periods. It is further suggested that creation of a feasibly attainable new water use classification for this system should be considered keeping in view the existing socio-economic condition of the people living in and around Tapi estuary/river.

The Ennore Creek showed high Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and faecal coliforms, in excess of the prescribed water quality standards.

Development of Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment

Guidelines have been developed for conducting Environmental Impact Assessment studies in the Ports and Harbours and Marine transportation sectors, tourism related activities in the coastal marine areas, waste disposal from domestic and industrial sources including discharge of waste through pipelines, etc

The guidelines prepared for ports and harbours address the following issues:

(i) National and International Environmental regulations relevant to port and harbour projects,

(ii) Screening and scoping to determine the type of EIA,

(iii) Baseline studies,

(iv) Prediction of Environmental impacts,

(v) Risk assessment factors,

(vi) Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate and offset the adverse environmental impacts of the project and to protect the environment and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) giving details of the studies carried out for EIA

The draft guidelines for wastewater disposal through marine outfalls prepared by NIOT address the following issues:

(i) Environmental legislations applicable to locate an outfall facility in the coastal zone, discharge standards of treated waste water and coastal water quality criteria for different uses;

(ii) Baseline assessment;

(iii) Analysis of alternatives

a. Alternative selection of pipeline route.

b. Alternative technology i.e. alternative waste water treatment and disposal option.

(iv) Environmental impacts of marine outfall;

(v) Optimisation of the location of the outfall and design; and

(vi) Monitoring the performance of a marine outfall.

Tourism

The guidelines on the EIA for coastal tourism developed by NIOT highlight the nature of projects, data required for the feasibility study, techno-economic feasibility analysis, environmental clearances required for setting up of the projects, comparison of the tourism projects with alternative projects, evaluation of impacts, baseline assessment of air, land and water environments, prediction of impacts and environmental management. These guidelines would be useful in pre-project evaluation of the impacts of tourism and for ensuring sustainable use of the coastal resources.

Development of Model ICMAM Plan for Chennai, Goa and Gulf of Kachchh

On the basis of the preliminary data and inputs provided by M/s. Resource Analysis, Netherlands and IIT, Chennai, ICMAM-PD completed the preparation of model ICMAM plan for Chennai and the draft plan was presented to State Government in January 2002 for review. Modern tools like GIS, Remote sensing, Numerical Modelling (MIKE-21) and Decision Support System (DSS) were used to analyse issues in the 40 km stretch of Chennai coast extending from Pulicat Lake in the north to Mahabalipuram in the south and for prediction of impacts due to natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Economy, Environment and Society were taken as criteria to analyse various issues along the Chennai coastal zone and the draft Decision Support System (DSS) was developed. DSS integrates various sectors and habitats along the coastal zone and it enables user/decision maker for taking better decision. Erosion-Accretion, Pollution and conflicting land uses due to tourism development were identified as major issues for Chennai. Shoreline Changes and configuration of submerged shoals between Pulicat and Ennore Creek were monitored to study the impact of Ennore port. Pollution due to land-based activities in waterways and coastal areas was monitored and lack of treatment and frequent closure of tidal inlets were identified as major causes. Measures to prevent erosion, siltation at inlets and pollution along north Chennai coast were worked out as part of the plan and they were evaluated through DSS.

The task of collecting primary and secondary data required for preparation of ICMAM plan for Gulf of Kachchh and Goa was entrusted to NIO, Goa. The first phase of field measurements on hydrodynamics, water quality, ecology is scheduled to be undertaken during March for Gulf of Kachchh and in April 2002 for Goa. The data collection programme is being implemented as a joint programme of ICMAM Project Directorate and the NIO.

Monitoring of Ennore Shoals to understand the impact of the satellite port using GIS.	Shoreline changes as a result of construction of breakwater for Ennore Port	Use classification of Tuticorin coastal waters

Infrastructure, Training, R&D and Survey

Determination of Best Designated Use Classification of Coastal Waters

Coastal waters play a vital role in the development of (i) living and non-living resources, coastal habitats like mangroves, coral reefs and beaches, (ii) act as a medium of navigation and accommodating facilities like ports and harbours and (iii) receiving waste waters from land and sea based activities. A conflicting use of coastal waters will lead to loss of resources, revenue to the dependent fishermen population and long term damage to the environment.

In view of the above, the zonation of coastal waters using prescribed standards for use classification is being undertaken to classify coastal waters into 5 zones based on a preliminary classification made by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the infrastructure component funded by DOD. The main aim of this study is to develop future designated use of coastal waters based on the present use, with the help of a GIS based information system for 18 locations viz., Porbandar, Veraval, Ratnagiri, Daman, Hazira (Tapi estuary), Honnavar, Mangalore, Trivandrum, Calicut, Tuticorin, Nagapattinam, Pondicherry, Krishnapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur, Konark, Puri and Digha.

The major tasks involved in the determination of designated use of coastal waters are as follows:

· Documentation of water and sediment quality data collected under the COMAPS Programme along the coastal areas, location of industries settlements;

· Documentation of details on the coastal habitats, land use/land cover pattern, coastal infrastructure, socio- economic activities, developmental activities;

· Identification of existing coastal water uses of developed areas, undeveloped areas and under developed areas, if any;

· Preparation of designated best use classification for coastal waters.

After collection of field data and secondary data, the database for GIS based information system for Porbandar, Veraval, Daman, Mangalore, Trivandrum, Ratnagiri, Honnavar, Konark, Gopalpur, Krishnapatnam, Digha and Tuticorin was completedand the draft designated best use classification was identified and draft reports were prepared. The database for GIS based information system for determination of best use classification for other locations were compiled for preparation of the report. Preparation of designated best use classification of coastal waters for the remaining 6 locations would be completed during 2002.

Coastal Habitat

Under the R&D component, being implemented by Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, a methodology for eco-geomorphological zonations for selected coral reefs in the Gulf of Kachchh, Lakshadweep Islands, Gulf of Mannar and A&N Islands, using IRS LISS III and panchromatic data was developed. Coral reef features such as reef slope, reef crest, algal ridge, boulder bed, outer reef, inner reef, coral knolls, etc., have been identified. A methodology for identification of major mangrove communities such as Avicennia, Rhizophora, Sonneratia, Brugeuria, Ceriops, etc., was developed using IRS LISS III and PAN data. This work was carried out in selected areas of Gulf of Kachchh, Goa, Coringa, Bhitarkanika, Sunderbans and A&N Islands.

Digital database on land use, coral reef, etc., for A&N Islands and criteria based models were developed to classify coastal zone based on environmental sensitivity as well as coastal regulation zone requirements.

Determination of No Impact Zone for Pulicat in Tamil Nadu and Coringa in Andhra Pradesh

Primary data on hydrodynamics and water quality parameters for Pulicat Lake and Coringa were collected, analysed and numerical modelling to quantify the impacts was initiated.

Computing Facility at ICMAM-PD

A total number of 62 PCs of various configurations and platforms including one Unix based (Octane Silicon Graphics IRIX) Oracle server, one NT based (Compaq Proliant) Web server as well as Firewall Server, one Linux (Compaq EN) based e-mail server and NT based (DELL) application server are available at ICMAM-PD. All PCs have been connected with Local Area Network (LAN) so as to have Internet connectivity. Internet connectivity is being provided by NIC through VSAT antenna with a bandwidth of32kbps. Adequate number of peripherals like Plotter, Scanner, Digitizer and various capacities of Printers are available. The high quality printers are providing photo quality outputs on various page sizes.

Latest versions of GIS software like Arc Info, Arc View, MapInfo, Image processing software ERDAS Imagine; Modelling software like MIKE 21; application software like VC++, VB, Fortran; RDBMS like Oracle are available and widely used at ICMAM-PD. The URL of ICMAM PD is http://chennai2.tn.nic.in/icmam.

Training Facility at ICMAM-PD

The Directorate has core faculty specialised in Remote Sensing, GIS, database management, marine biology and fisheries. The state-of-the-art Multimedia Training Facility at ICMAM PD was inaugurated on 13^th August 2001. It is having a capacity to train 25 students at a time on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). PCs of both students and master’s are centrally connected with a control panel, which is used to control broadcasting from one PC to other PCs; one to one, one to many and one to a group of PC stations. This control panel is used to control remotely the student PCs. There is a call-box at the student end which is used to draw the attention of the teacher to clear any doubts during the training.

A view of ICMAM Training Centre

Presently there are 20 Workstation PCs available, which are all connected with LAN. There is a network laser printer to shoot out hard copies. There is a 64 kbps-bandwidth Internet connectivity available for the trainees. Three 5 KVA UPS are used to provide uninterrupted power supply with a backup time of 5 hours. There are also two high-resolution portable projectors for projection on the motorised wall screen.

During the last eight months, fifty- two trainees from the Coastal States, State Pollution Control Boards, Academic Institutions, Research Institutions and other organisations were trained on application of GIS for integrated coastal and marine area management, utilising these facilities.