Marine Fisheries Information Service T&E Ser., No. 207, 2011 1 Critical marine habitat restoration programme - initiative on mangrove restoration in Kerala, India V. Kripa, D. Prema, R. Jeyabaskaran, L. R. Khambadker, A. Nandakumar, J. Sharma, K. K. Valsala, P. S. Anil Kumar and R. Sharma Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi Introduction Mangroves are unique habitats which function as nursery ground for several valuable species of finfishes and shellfishes and they play a vital role in supporting marine food chains, protecting coastal areas and in improving water quality. Mangroves in general have relatively high productivity and tend to create highly organic soil and also export organic matter to nearby marine environments. They are effective in stabilizing soils in intertidal areas. Some species of mangroves have been planted in the coastal areas as bio-protection shields to guard coastal households from wind and wave action. They provide shelter to several avian fauna which feed on its fruits and nest in the branches. Rare or endangered species of birds have also been documented in the mangroves. During the last three to four decades, urbanization has increased the land value of coastal areas leading to felling of mangroves. This has directly affected the mangrove cover in most coastal regions. In an attempt to develop critical habitats in the coastal areas, an initiative was made to develop mangrove habitat in Kerala by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi. This community based ecosystem restoration program was launched in June 2010. The initiation Three species of mangroves which are common mangrove vegetation of Kerala were selected for the restoration programme and for nursery development viz., Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Bruguiera cylindrica. Rhizophora mucronata, locally known as Valiya kandal is globally popular as the Asiatic mangrove and this can grow up to 27-30 m height with 50-70 cm trunk diameter. This species usually has numerous lateral roots, developed from base of the trunk called stilt roots, hoop or pile-like, supporting the tree. Hanging air-roots are sometimes also produced from the lower branches. Fruits are edible and the fruit juice can be made into a light wine. The timber is heavy, difficult to saw and not durable unless it is dried for a long time. However, it can be used for construction, to make fish traps, house frames, pilings and poles. Rhizophora is used as firewood and to make charcoal. It is chipped and used for commercial paper and rayon production in Indonesia and East Malaysia. Tannins and dyes are extracted from the bark and a black to chestnut dye is obtained from the leaves. It is used in traditional medicines as an astringent and to treat angina, diarrhoea, diabetes, dysentery and hematuria. Old leaves and roots are used during childbirth while bark is used to treat blood in the urine. This species has been used for restoration programmes in India and several Asian countries. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is locally known as Pena kandal. This species can grow up to 30–35 m in height and typically develops knee roots. The propagule is edible and the wood is widely used for structural components of traditional homes and for other structures such as fishing stakes and spears. Bruguiera timber is harvested commercially for charcoal production in south-east Asia, although Rhizophora is preferred. This species has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine. The bark is considered as an astringent and used to treat malaria, cure fish poisoning, treat diarrhoea and fever. In some areas, the fruit is used to treat eye problems and to stop bleeding. The leaves are used to control blood pressure. This species is common in the mangrove vegetation of Kerala.