Thiruvananthapuram: Marine biologists have discovered a lush sea weed colony under waters between Panathura and Kovalam. Adding to the anxiety of researchers, the weed that falls under padina genus of tetrastromatica species was under potential danger as it grows close to an invasive species of coral. “Snowflake coral that has been affecting marine life was found at Kovalam in 2016, said Robert Panipilla, chief coordinator of Friends of Marine Life, an organization undertaking seabed ecosystem studies. “This sea weed colony was around 500 metres north-east of this invasive species.”
The brown padina sea weeds are beneficial for humans and can be used for making medicines among others. On the other hand, snowflake coral inhabit reefs and underwater structures such as piers and grows over metal, concrete. Around 30 varieties of sea weed was found near Thiruvananthapuram coast during the studies done for Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) in 2014-15. “The most important among them were brown coloured sargasm and padina sea weed and green coloured alva sea weed. The sea weed from Chowwara to Kovalam is under threat due to the dredging and reclamation work as part of Vizhinjam port project,” he added.
