The Intertidal Bioblitz marked a significant milestone as India's first nationwide endeavor to catalog the rich marine life inhabiting the intertidal zones along its vast coastlines. These dynamic areas, lying between the high and low tide marks, are bustling with life yet frequently overlooked. This event brought together researchers, citizen scientists, and conservationists to observe, identify, and document the myriad species present.
The Bioblitz unfolded across several key locations along India's diverse coast, including Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai in Maharashtra, Goa, and the Andaman Islands. This extensive coverage provided a comprehensive snapshot of the unique ecosystems present in each region.
This ambitious project was a collaborative effort between the Coastal Conservation Foundation and the East Coast Conservation Team (ECCT). The Bioblitz took place over a span of ten days, with the results published in early 2025, indicating the event occurred shortly before.
Participants recorded an impressive 3,600 observations, identifying at least 514 different species using the iNaturalist app. Noteworthy discoveries included the Pseudoceros bifascia flatworm, recorded for the first time in mainland India at Visakhapatnam, expanding its known habitat beyond Lakshadweep. Additionally, two potentially new flatworm species resembling an electric flatworm were discovered, prompting further research.
Each location unveiled unique ecosystems and species diversity. For instance, the Andaman Islands showcased a coral-dominated landscape, while the coastlines of Maharashtra and Goa were rich in sponges and hydroids. The Bioblitz also provided baseline data crucial for monitoring and conservation efforts.
Citizen scientists played a vital role in this project by participating in field surveys, photographing species, and uploading their observations to iNaturalist. Their involvement significantly enriched the data collected, showcasing the power of citizen science in contributing to scientific research and conservation.
In Visakhapatnam, over 1,533 observations documented 227 species, including the notable Pseudoceros bifascia flatworm. Mumbai's suburban and metropolitan areas recorded 80 and 120 species, respectively, featuring the old-woman octopus and orange-striped hermit crab. The Andaman Islands revealed over 70 species, including bubble snails and juvenile stingrays, while also noting the impacts of the 2024 coral bleaching event on local ecosystems.
The Intertidal Bioblitz stands as a pivotal event for several reasons. It provides essential baseline data for future conservation efforts and raises public awareness about the importance of protecting intertidal ecosystems. The project also highlights areas requiring further research, such as the newly identified flatworm species in Visakhapatnam.
Looking forward, organizers aim to make the Intertidal Bioblitz an annual occurrence, establishing a long-term monitoring program to safeguard India's intertidal biodiversity.
In the Andaman Islands, the team observed challenges such as habitat degradation due to increased tourism, including trampling of marine life and inappropriate feeding practices. These human activities appear to influence species distribution and presence.
The 2024 global coral bleaching event had a profound impact on the Andaman Islands, particularly affecting soft corals. The Bioblitz team is actively mapping the recovery of these areas to understand and mitigate future environmental impacts.
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