Walk through Mangroves

Commemorating International Mangrove Conservation Day that is observed every year on July 26, the students of the departments of Communicative English and Sociology in association with the Bhoomithra Sena Club visited the Mangrove Research Centre functioning at the fisheries station of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Puthuvypu on 27th July 2022. The trip aimed to create awareness among students about the importance of mangrove ecosystems as a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem.

Eighty students and three faculty members, Smt. Elizabeth Abraham (Sociology), Smt. Anaswara Ramachandran and Smt. Sarilekshmi (Communicative English) participated in the nature visit that was flagged off by the Manager Rev. Dr. Sr. Vinitha CSST, Principal Dr. Alphonsa Vijaya Joseph and Senior Administrator Dr. Sajimol Augustine.

The group reached the Mangrove Information Centre by 10:00 am. The programme began with an official inauguration by Dr. Abhish B, Assistant Professor, Fisheries Station, KUFOS. Sri. Reghu Ram, Farm Superintendent, led a one-hour session where he familiarised students with the different varieties of mangroves and the need to conserve mangroves. The students got an opportunity to see the harvesting of fish.

A boat ride through the serene mangrove forest, through waters tightly hugged by verdant mangroves was something special. The natural settings seemed surreal with placid waters, lush greenery and tranquillity punctuated only by the chirping of the birds.

The programme concluded with a talk by Dr. Linoy, Assistant Professor and head of the fisheries station. He talked about the reasons for disappearance of mangrove forests and the need for sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems. The trip to and from Puthuvype, on a hired KSRTC bus, was also memorable.