JOIN USThe rocky shores are one of the most fascinating ecosystems, packed with a wide array of
marine life and uniqueness in structure and complexity. They are important spots with ecological and aesthetic significance found along the stretch of the shoreline. Their very existence is essential for the functioning of the web of life along the coastline.
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 and this is due to 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).
Rich marine life
India’s west coast is a unique place where the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the lush green rain forests of Western Ghats converge. Rocky shores are found wherever the Western Ghats hill ranges have stretched till the Arabian Sea. Among the ecologically sensitive niches, the rocky shores are extremely intricate in marine biodiversity. The rocky shores of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka on the west coast has 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 shore has the highest biodiversity with rich marine fauna—spanning from sponges to fishes. Some rocky shores of the district are under the control of the Sea Bird Naval Base.
Dhareshwara rocky shore is not only home to abundant varieties of marine creatures but is also an important nursery area for varied marine flora, providing plenty of food for fish.
It adds an aesthetic value to the long stretch of the sandy bay, protect the coastline by controlling sea erosion activity, and is the source of some marine molluscs and crabs (which the locals depend on for food). Dhareshwara rocky shore harbours all the tidal zones (low, intertidal and high) and it is amazing to see how the distinct marine creatures adapt and survive in each zone, tolerating high temperature, desiccation and adverse climatic conditions.
Plants and animals here are able to live both in air and water and they are able to survive the loss of almost 70 per cent of their body water during dry periods. They are also able to cope with 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, with many appearing to be invisible!
Essential habitat
Dhareshwara rocky shore is 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.
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. The youths of Dhareshwara’s fishermen community volunteered in mobilising the four communities, of which two are fishermen communities, Harikanta and Ambiga, and two non-fishermen communities, Naik and Mukri. Due to the efforts of these communities, the Karnataka Biodiversity Board constituted an expert committee headed by Dr M D Subash Chandran, who gave a verdict to conserve the integrity of the hill and the rocky shore.
Educating local people, particularly children about their natural heritage will further strengthen future conservations.Dhareshwara rocky shore is saved for the time being, but it may not be a happy ending for many of the rocky shores. Constant watch and genuine efforts to conserve our natural heritage would save other ecological hotspots too.