Investigation on Mangroves in South costal Andhra Pradesh, India

A perusal of literature shows that there is scant information on mangroves of South costal Andhra Pradesh comprising Nellore and Prakasam districts. In Nellore district there are Pennar, Kandaleru and Swarnamukhi estuaries where mangroves of varying size and density occur. But most of these mangroves are located in the revenue lands and hence indiscriminately destroyed for aquaculture, salt pans and firewood. Of late the outflow of fresh water from the river Pennar, Kandaleru and Swarnamukhi has also declined and this has a telling effect on the growth of mangroves. In Prakasam district, there are only minor rivers and streams viz.Gundlakamma, Musi, Paaleru and Maaneru which bring nutrients along with water for the sustenance of mangroves at the costal regions. But most of these mangroves are ill developed. Floristic and ecological studies have been conducted by us to assess their present position, the effect of their deforestation and aquaculture in these districts.