Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, April 16–17, 2025 — The Ocean Farming team at AMMACHI Labs recently embarked on a coastal survey spanning 30 kilometers from Solaykudi to Damodarpattinam, charting the region’s seagrass meadows with the help of local divers and community members. This initiative marks a significant step in mapping and conserving vital marine ecosystems along the Tamil Nadu coastline.

Key Findings from the Survey
The team observed extensive seagrass growth along the surveyed stretch, with large mounds of seagrass washed ashore—a sign of its abundance in the area. Notable highlights include:

• At Solaykudi, seagrass meadows extended nearly 2 km into the sea, thriving well beyond the shoreline.

• Closer to Nambuthalai, meadows were found near the coast, especially around existing seaweed farms, suggesting a symbiotic habitat.

• Two species of seagrass were recorded. One has been identified as Syringodium isoetifolium, known for its thin, noodle-like blades. The second species is under review by marine biologists.

• Mixed stands of both species were documented, indicating a diverse and healthy marine environment.

• Due to high turbidity and low surface visibility, divers captured underwater footage to support the mapping and identification efforts.

🎥 The collected footage and findings will contribute to a broader research initiative aimed at understanding the biodiversity and ecological value of seagrass meadows—critical habitats that support marine life, improve water quality, and help mitigate climate change.

The team’s next stop: the Rameswaram coastline, where further surveys and mapping will continue.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Ocean Farming team dives deeper into India’s underwater ecosystems.