Tsunami study shows decline in marine catches

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New Delhi, May 9: The study, conducted by the department of ocean development, says that the tsunami has resulted in salinity on the coast and reduction in marine catches. There was not much damage to the coastal biodiversity, except to the coral reef in central and south Andamans. Least damages and casualties were marked in areas adequately covered by mangroves and sand dunes.

The study was conducted by a team of scientists under the leadership of ocean development secretary Dr Harsh Gupta.

Making the study public before the media here on Monday, Union minister for science and technology and ocean development Kapil Sibal said, "We will set up a tsunami warning system in the country by September 2007. The country has the capabilities like a good seismic network, research vessels, bathymetry surveys, tide guages, data buoys, sattellites, communication technologies, networking and modelling. The centre will be set up in Hyderabad and reduce false alarms to the extent of 70%."

The study was conducted on board Sagar Kanya, Sagar Sampada, Sagar Purvi and Sagar Paschimi.

The major findings are:

• Marine catches decreased from 1,500 kg to 300 kg at the southwest coast off Andamans. However, the catches increased from 9 kg to 125 kg on the northeast coast off Andamans. Reduction in demersal fish catches in southwest Andamans.

• Corals and coral reef in good conditions in northeast Andamans. Damages done to coral reef and fauna in central and middle Andamans. No significant impact on corals in Gulf of Mannar.

• Penetration of high salinity water in the upper 100 metre in the Arabian Sea. Coastal soil salinity may take some time to be wiped off. Low salinity water pockets noticed around 6 degree north from equator.