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Great knots & Indian skimmers: Dredging activity halted at Kakinada coast due to possible threat to the species

Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity

In News:

The Forest Department has directed GMR Energy Limited to stop dredging activity in the Kumbabhishekham mudflat with immediate effect.
It has also ordered the removal of the bund around the mangrove cover on the Kakinada coast, Andhra Pradesh.
The decision was taken after taking into account the threats to the mudflat and the mangrove cover and destruction of the prime habitat of birds — endangered Great knots (Calidris tenuirostris) and vulnerable Indian skimmers (Rynchops albiocollis).

Important value additions

Great knots

The great knot (Calidris tenuirostris) is a small wader.
It is the largest of the calidrid species.
These birds forage (search for food) on mudflats and beaches, probing or picking up food by sight.
They mainly eat molluscs and insects.
It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
Their breeding habitat is tundra in northeast Siberia.
They are strongly migratory wintering on coasts in southern Asia through to Australia.
IUCN status: Endangered

Image source: Click here

Indian skimmers

It (Rynchops albicollis) is one of the three species that belong to the skimmer genus Rynchops in the family Laridae.
It is found in southern Asia, where it is patchily distributed and declining in numbers.
They are mainly found in rivers or estuaries.
They are very brightly marked in black, white and orange, making them difficult to miss.

IUCN status: Vulnerable

Image source: Click here

Dredging

It means clearing the bed of (a harbour, river, or other area of water) by scooping out mud, weeds, and rubbish with a dredge.
It can create disturbance to aquatic ecosystems, often with adverse impacts.
Dredge spoils may contain toxic chemicals that may have an adverse effect on the disposal area.
It often dislodges chemicals residing in benthic substrates and injects them into the water column.

Image source: Click here

Mudflats

They are coastal wetlands that form in intertidal areas where sediments have been deposited by tides or rivers.
A recent global analysis suggested they are as extensive globally as mangroves.
They are found in sheltered areas such as bays, bayous, lagoons, and estuaries.

Image source: Click here

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