Restoration Scaling of Seagrass Habitats in the Oceanic Islands of Lakshadweep, India using geospatial technology

Small isolated oceanic islands are renowned for endemic species and biological wealth. Many small island administrations all over the world face complex challenges in protecting their natural resources. Restoration of degraded ecosystems is the best way to bring the coastal habitats to their previous forms. In the present study, seagrass restoration sites in six islands of Lakshadweep were selected using satellite map, GIS tools and field observations. Seagrass-denuded areas were identified integrating the classified seagrass maps of the years 2000 and 2008. Specific criteria and buffer zones were generated to delineate the restoration sites. A total area of 156.21 ha is identified for seagrass restoration, distributed in the six islands. These areas can be given priority for the seagrass restoration as it will avoid the conflict of rising transplants in newer areas where seagrasses do not exist.