Estuaries have been very useful to men in all coastal areas of the world from time immemorial. They are very productive biologically and excellent habitats for animals like fish, shellfish, crustaceans, wading birds etc. They are ideal breeding grounds and safe resting places for the migratory animals. These wetlands also perform a host of ecological and hydrological functions that benefit mankind. They recycle and store nutrients, trap sediments, purify pollutants and form a buffer zone between coastal catchments and the marine environment. They offer enormous potential for recreation, aquaculture and transport, and play an important role in the economy of coastal populations. However, the estuaries are becoming the most neglected wetlands and there is no proper management in India. A considerable amount of industrial effluents and sewage is being released in estuaries and creeks regularly. In general, estuaries are very fragile, highly productive and sustain a rich biodiversity. Therefore, understanding of the estuarine ecosystems, and implementation of proper scientific management programmes are need for the management of estuarine resources, including fisheries.
Estuaries of India is compendium of recent research made by several professors, scientists, ecologists and researchers on biodiversity and ecology of estuaries of India. It is a compilation of 20 research articles on various aspects viz., biodiversity, ecology, Iimnology, hydrology, conservation etc. Estuaries of India will be a mile-stone in the field of estuarine studies of the country as it highlights the present status of these wetlands and their bio-resources. Estuaries of India would be highly useful for scientists, ecologists, researchers, teachers, students, NGOs, decision makers, and local communities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR D.V. Rao
Dr. D.V. Rao had his early education in his native town, Rajahmundry of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. He received his M.Sc. Degree in Zoology (Marine Biology) and Ph.D. for studies on Reef Fishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Dr. Rao is Scientist in the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Station of Zoological Survey of India at Port Blair. He is also a PADI Scuba Diver. During the posting at Port Blair, he extensively surveyed Andaman and Nicobar Islands including many remote and uninhabited islands and studied mainly the reef associated fauna, particularly fish and soft corals. In addition to several research publications to his credit, Dr. Rao authored three books: Ichthyofauna of Bay Islands, Poisonous and Venomous Fishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Soft Corals of Andaman Islands. The present Guide to Reef Fishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, like the earlier works, is the outcome of dedicated and sincere efforts during field studies for more than a decade in these islands. This is the first comprehensive publication on Indian Reef Fish Biodiversity dealing with more than 700 spectacular and colourful denizens. The book is designed to serve as a valuable field guide to amateurs, ichthyologists, reef-watchers, conservators etc.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Laishram Kosygin
Dr. Laishram Kosygin obtained postgraduate degrees in Zoology from H.N. B. Garhwal University and Ecology and Environment from Sikkim Manipal University. He was awarded Ph.D. for his outstanding contribution in the field of fish biodiversity of Manipur by the Manipur University in 1999. he has over 15 years of research experience in the field of systematic, aquatic biodiversity, limnology, wetland ecology, and fish biology. He served in various capacities in organizations and colleges such as Loktak Development Authority, N.B. College, Khundrakpam, and N.G. College, Imphal, Manipur. Presently Dr. Kosygin is working as Senior Scientist in the Zoological Survey of India. Dr. Kosygin was also one of the members of the project team of India Canada Environmental Facility sponsored project "Sustainable Development and Water Resources Management of Loktak Lake" jointly implemented by Loktak Development Authority, Manipur and wetlands International South Asia, New Delhi. He is the founder president of the Society for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Manipur (SEPSD) and life member of Society of Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi. He received honorary fellowship of Society of Environmental Sciences in 2001 for his outstanding contribution in the field of Environmental Sciences. He has published more than 25 research papers.
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