Dhareshwara- The 'Rock'ing Shore

In this post under GREEN HERITAGE we explore some facts about Dhareshwara Rocky Shores in Western Ghats.

The rocky shores are one of the most fascinating of all ecosystems, packed with a wide array of marine life and uniqueness in structure and complexity. They are important spots with ecological, physical, aesthetic, and protective significance along the long stretch of the shoreline. Their very existence is important and essential for the functioning of the web of life along the shoreline.

Rocky Shores during low tide 

Sea beaches and shores are formed by sufficient loose rocky or sandy material and a suitable coastal climate which allows the sediments to accumulate. Rocky shores are steeper than sandy shores. This difference is the result of the different permeability of sediments and the frequency and intensity of sea waves. Rocky shores have higher permeability and much of the upcoming waves percolate into the bottom. A combination of waves and tides shapes the rocky shore and ultimately influences the survival of specific species of marine fauna. Wave action is another physical factor which results in the formation of Exposed Shores (more wave action) and Sheltered Shores (less wave action). 

West Coast of India is a unique place where the blue waters of Arabian Sea and the lush green rain forests of Western Ghats collage. Rocky shores are found wherever the western ghat hill ranges have stretched till Arabian Sea. Among the ecologically sensitive niches, the rocky shores are extremely intricate in marine biodiversity. The rocky shores of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka State on the West Coast of India harbor rich marine fauna and flora diversity which is a unique natural heritage evolved since time immemorial. There are 15 rocky shores in Uttara Kannada district, among them Dhareshwara rocky shores have the highest biodiversity and harbor the richest marine fauna spanning from sponges to fishes. Some rocky shores of the district are under the control of the Indian Naval Base, the Sea Bird.

Dhareshwara rocky shores are not only the home for abundant varieties of marine creatures but are also an important nursery area for varied marine flora. This habitat also provides lots of food for fish. They add aesthetic value to the long stretch of sandy bay, protect the shoreline by controlling sea erosion activity, and are the source of some marine molluscs and crabs (which the locals depend on for food) etc. Dhareshwara rocky shores harbor all zones, i.e., low tide, intertidal and high tide zones, and it is amazing to see how the distinct marine creatures adapt and survive in each zone, as well as tolerating high temperature, desiccation and adverse climatic conditions.

Amazing creatures- Mother nature protects them 

colourful marine life 

Mother Nature protects all creatures. Plants and animals here are able to live both in air and water; they are able to survive the loss of almost 70 % of their body water during dry periods, and, in addition, are able to cope with freshwater rain when exposed and high saline seawater when submerged!! Many animals avoid sun, drying air and predators such as birds, by staying in cracks and crevices or under rocks or in their own burrows at low tide. Some sessile animals such as barnacles and oysters close their valves tightly to avoid drying when the tide goes out. Some molluscans either associate with other species of marine creatures or group together to avoid desiccation during summer. They come out to feed when covered by water. Many marine creatures confined to rocky shores are well camouflaged and appear to be invisible!!

Harmonious life: Co-existing marine creatures

Dhareshwara rocky shores are filled with an amazing diversity of marine life. Some species are beautiful, others bizarre, and some are tricky — but they all are important and deserve our attention as well as protection. Any altering of the hills attached to the rocks or vice versa will create imbalance and destruction of sensitive habitat of rocks resulting in species loss as well as coastal erosion. The rocky shores are most essential habitat for the survival of marine fauna which are confined to it, as these creatures can live only in this habitat and not on sandy shore. Hence, preserving the rocky shores and its integrity is most essential for conserving the rare marine biodiversity treasure of Dhareshwara for future generations.

Marine flora supports numerous marine fauna

The shore bird,one of the predators of rocky fauna

It is worth mentioning the recent case of conserving the hill and rocky shore habitat by local people. In spite of being within the ambit of "No Development Zone" of the Coastal Regulation Zone Act, there were attempts to cut the hills for farming and other activities. It was the villagers who came forward to stop these illegal activities. It is noteworthy, the youths of fishermen community of Dhareshwara, who are born and brought up there and fully aware of the importance of the natural wealth they inherit since time immemorial, volunteered in mobilizing the four communities of the village and upholding the scientific facts about the importance of rocky shore. The combined efforts of biologists and the youths compelled the Karnataka Biodiversity Board to constitute an expert committee which gave the verdict to conserve the integrity of hill and rocky shore. This instance proves beyond doubt that community involvement can help in the conservation activities. Educating the locals about their natural heritage will further strengthen future conservations.

Youths & leaders of Dhareshwara who stopped hill cutting & saved the Rocky Shores

Dhareshwara rocky shores are saved for the time being. It may not be a happy end in case of other rocky shores. What needs to be seen is, how many sincere environmentalists and biologists are ready to support the locals, educate them and if situation demands stand by them till the happy end.