The Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI) plans to establish a modern laboratory for promoting outdoor seaweed cultivation at Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district.
A sum of Rs.40 lakh had been sanctioned by the Central government. The Indo-European programme has also supported the initiative. Professor Bhavanath Jha, Chief Scientist, CSMCRI, Bhav Nagar, Gujarat told The Hindu that the aim of the proposed plan was to study the environmental and technical impact of seaweed grown artificially in outdoor environment. The salinity, nutrient values, behavior of seaweed species, changes needed for better growth and others could be studied.
The modern bio-technology equipment, big size tanks in different capacities would be established. A location inside the Mandapam centre had been identified for setting up of the facility.
Dr. Eswaran, Scientist-In-Charge, Algal Research Station of CSMCRI, Mandapam, said that the installation of equipment would begin soon and it was expected to be completed within December this year.
It would facilitate the scientists to study the aspect of maintaining the germ plasm during adverse conditions such as high tide, tsunami, cyclone and others. The physio-chemical aspect of seaweed culture could also be studied.
He added that the proposed facility would be immensely beneficial for the fishermen of the region to promote indigenous sea weed cultivation. Though a large number of fishermen had been engaged in collection of naturally grown sea weeds, the growing of seaweed in outdoor was first of its kind in the region. The CSMCRI would transfer the technology to the fishermen after the development of technology.
