KBB recommends creation of new marine sanctuaries to K’taka govt

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Biodiversity Board has recommended to the State government that rare fish habitats identified in the rivers originating in the Malnad region should be declared as marine sanctuaries under the fisheries law.

“8 spots in the Dakshina Kannada district, one in Udupi, two in Mandya, two in Kodagu and one each in Uttara Kannada and Kalaburagi districts across the western ghats have been identified as rare fish habitats of mahashir, haragi and green chromide fish species,” Karnataka Biodiversity Board Chairman Anantha Hegde Ashisar said.

“Already 11 places including those at Sringeri, Todikan in Sullia, Shivana Samudra, Hariharapura, Tingale and Ramanathapuram have been declared as marine sanctuaries. I have recently met Minister Kota Srinivasa Poojary and explained about the new habitats to him,” added Ashisar.

“The minister replied that rare species can be preserved through such sanctuaries and promised to take action to declare new marine sanctuaries,” Ashisar said.