India has rich marine biodiversity. It has over 16,000 different forms of plants and animals, which include 844 types of sea grasses, 451 types of sponges, 281 forms of hard corals, 2934 kinds of crustaceans, 3370 types of molluscs, 765 forms of Eichnodermata, 2456 types of fishes, 26 species of sea snakes, 5 species of sea turtles, 25 species of aquatic mammals. This idea was expressed by Dr. H.S Sehgal Coordinator post graduate studies Punjab agriculture University Ludhiana . Dr.Sehgal said that the near shore coastal waters of India are extremely rich fishing grounds. The total commercial marine catch for India has stabilised over the last ten years at between 1.4 and 1.6 million tonnes. Coral reefs occur along only a few sections of the mainland, principally the Gulf of Kutch. Indian coral reefs have a wide range of resources which are of commercial value. Exploitation of corals, coral debris and coral sands is widespread on the Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Kutch reefs, while ornamental shells, chanks and pearl oysters are the basis of an important reef industry in the south of India. Sea fans and seaweeds are exported for decorative purposes, and there is a spiny lobster fishing industry along the south-east coast. Further he said areas where rivers merge with sea are very important centers as they act breeding place for some species of the marine fishes &animals.
Polluting of rivers due to industry wastes is endangering these the reproduction of these marine species. To save this beautiful marine world we have to take step to reduce pollution of rivers. On this occasion Director General Science City Dr R.S Khandpur said that The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The biodiversity of both animal and plant species are core to the survival of life; yet many of the world’s biodiversity is already destroyed or facing extinction. The Earth is made up of ecosystems and ecological features which are supported by biodiversity; yet many people do not understand the meaning of biodiversity or what the impact of its loss would mean.
Biodiversity and ecosystems need to be protected in order to preserve the quality of life on Earth; many plants and animals have already became extinct through human actions and it is estimated that if trends do not change 34,000 plant species will become extinct. Shrinking biodiversity means ecosystems are unable to operate effectively; with the loss of effective ecosystems, medicine, food, shelter and other valuable resources are lost. He opined that an integrated effort by all the countries of the world is necessary to solve this problem, there is hope that with education, compassion, and hard work we can bring about the necessary change to our environment and to leave a better world for our children that we inherited from our parents. In order to highlight the importance of biodiversity, Pushpa Gujral Science City is celebrating this day in an attempt to educate people on marine biodiversity and its management.
On this occasion Dr Khandpur also presented a panoramic display of Biodiversity in which he demonstrated how life evolved on earth. He further told that Science City is coming up with a Panorama on “Life Through Ages” which will provide visitors a wide angled and in depth view related to the major events that occurred in the evolution of life on Earth.
Thank you sir