- Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Transcription

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
Arid land Agriculture & Greenery Department
Food Resources & Marine Sciences Division
Growing Mangroves for Enrichement
of Kuwait’s Coastline
(Guidelines & Recommendation)
N.R. Bhat, A. Al-Nasser, M.K. Suleiman & L. Al-Mulla
July 2003
Permission to reproduce or translate in any form the information contained
in this publication may be obtained by writing to the Kuwait Institute for
Scientific Research, P O Box 24885 Safat 13109 Kuwait.
Copyright@ by Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, 2003
Kuwait National Library Cataloging in Publication Data: GrowinMangroves
for Enrichment of Kuwait’s Coastline ( Guidelines and Recommendations)
N. R. Bhat, A. Al-nasser, M.K. Suleiman and L. Al-Mulla.
I. Bhat, N. R. II. Al-Naser, A. III. Suleiman, M. K. IV. Al-Mullah L.
Despository Number 2003/00169.
ISBN 99906 -41- 22 – 6
I. Mangrove, 2. Coastal Greening, 3. Marine ecosystem
48pp: 33 plates: 24X17 cm
Designed and Printed by:
Printed in Kuwait
Published by: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
Contents
Foreword……………………………………………………………………V
Preface…………………………………………………………………..…VI
Introduction……………………………………………………………….…I
Manpower Plant……………………………………………………………..1
Mangrove in Kuwait………………………………………………………...2
Establishment of Mangrove Plantations in Kuwait………………………....3
Selection of sites…………………………………………………………….3
Selection of mangrove species and propagule sources……………………...7
Raising plant material……………………………………………………….7
Propagule treatment and sowing…………………………………………….9
Acclimatization of seedlings to seawater…………………………………..10
Field planting……………………………………………………………….12
Growth monitoring………………………………………………………....12
Precautions to be Taken for Maximizing Seedling Growth………………..13
Environmental Impact of Mangrove Plantations in Kuwait………………..17
References………………………………………………………………….18
Foreword
Historically, marine resources have been
important renewable resources of Kuwait.
However, in recent years, in-creased
developmental activities along the coast
has greatly degraded the coastal and marine
ecosystems and threatened its ecological
sustainability. Harsh weather conditions
and continuous misuse of native vegetation
along the coast have further led to the
depletion of the vegetation cover and
organic matter in the coastal soils thereby
affecting the marine productivity. With a
view to overcome the problem of lack of
greenery and enrich country’s living
environment, his Highness the Amir of
Kuwait favored the implementation of a
comprehensive greenery program.
In
response to his Highness’s desire, the
(KISR) in cooperation with the Public
Authority for Agriculture Affairs & Fish
Resources (PAAF) developed the National
Greenery Plan (NGP) to provide an
integrated framework for present and future
greenery activities in the country. The
NGP covers a large tract of open spaces
along the coast that is found suitable for
greenery development. A forestation of the
inertial flats with mangroves is a sound
strategy for developing green cover and
enriching
the
marine
ecosystem.
Mangroves
plants
also
provide
considerable protection from strong waves,
favor the accumulation of sediments and
organic matter and play a vital role in
enhancing the aesthetic and recreational
value of the coastlines.
Considering the beneficial effects of
mangroves on coastal environment, many
Gulf countries took measures for
establishing large plantations as well as to
protect them from misuse. With a view to
establish a sound technical strategy for
introducing mangroves to Kuwait’s
Coastline, the Kuwait Institute For
Scientific research has actively supported
mangrove research since 1990 as a
demonstration of its commitment, KISR
organized an international symposium on
mangrove ecology and biology in 1998 and
facilitated sharing of experiences and latest
technical
information
on
mangrove
distribution, ecology, biology, In vitro
propagation, establishment/ restoration of
mangrove ecosystems and mitigating
perceived threat to mangrove community.
KISR in Cooperation with PAAF recently
completed a three-year project on
introduction of mangrove fro protection and
enrichment of Kuwait’s coastline. The
project generated valuable information on
suitable Avicenna marina ecotypes, their
efficient
propagation
and
field
establishment and, their impact on marine
ecosystems and coastal environment . This
publication presents the locally generated
scientific
information
and
practical
guidelines for growing of mangroves to
enrich Kuwait’s coastlines.
The Food
resources and Marine Sciences Division
gratefully acknowledge the financial
support and constant encouragement
received during the course of these
investigations from the Kuwait Foundation
for the Advancement of Sciences and the
managements of KISR and PAAF.The
manual is the first of its kind published in
the region. It is hopped that this publication
will serve as a valuable guide for future
research and developmental activities in this
area.
Dr. Samira Omar
Director
FR&MSD
Preface
Mangroves
are
considered
an
ecologically
and
environmentally
important plant group that plays an
important role in moderating the coastal
climate and enhancing the aesthetic and
recreational value of coastal areas.
Therefore, introduction of mangroves
along Kuwait’s coastline could play a
major role in achieving some of the
National
Greenery
Plan
goals.
Furthermore, as the coastal and marine
resources are important renewable
national
resources
for
Kuwait,
improving the quality of the marine
environment is both a national priority
and a necessity.
Recognizing
the
importance
of
mangroves, Kuwait Institute for
Scientific Research (KISR) initiated
mangroves research in 1992 and
established the technical feasibility for
introducing mangroves into the country.
To continue these efforts.
Kuwait
Foundation for the Advancement of
Sciences (KFAS) funded a project,
which was jointly implemented by
KISR and the Public Authority for
Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources
(PAAF), to standardize the propagation
and silvicultural practices and asses the
environmental impacts of introducing
mangroves to Kuwait’s Coastline.
Scientists have been able to generate
wealth of knowledge and significantly
contributed to the understanding of the
performance
of
mangroves
and
associated coastal ecosystems under
Kuwait’s
climatic
conditions.
Therefore, it’s essential that the new
findings are quickly incorporated into
the best management practices, and
growers are promoted to adopt them to
ensure the realization of desired gains.
The guidelines and recommendations
contained in this publication are based on
the findings and personal experiences of
scientists who participated in the project .
The manual has been organized into four
sections: Introduction, establishment of
mangrove plantations, precautions to be
taken for maximizing seeding growth and
environmental impact of mangrove
plantations. The manual also contains
the mangrove planting scheme for
Kuwait. It is primarily intended for
public institutions, community based
organizations and the vast majority of
private individuals both in Kuwait and
the gulf region who are involved in
research, establishment and management
of mangrove ecosystems. It is also
intended to promote close interaction
between local researchers and the end
users of modern technologies.
The authors would like to express their
gratitude to KFAS for their financial
support and to the managements of KISR
and PAAF for supporting research
activities included in this manual. We
wish to record our special thanks to Dr.
Samira Omar, Director Food Resources
and Marine Sciences Division for her
constant support and encouragement
during the of these investigations. The
assistance provided by project staff
during the course of these investigations
is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are
also due to the Publication and Editing
Department in KISR for editing the
manuscript of the manual.
N. R. BHAT
A. Al-Nasser
M.K. Suleiman
Introduction
Mangrove Plant
Manpower communities are salt-tolerant
forest ecosystems of tropical and
subtropical coastal areas.
The
latitudinal limits for various mangrove
species are close to 31°N in southern
Japan to 38°S in southern Australia
(Kogo and Tsurada, 1996). However,
the mangroves communities in such
climatic extremes comprise a limited
number of species. This is the case in
the Arabian Gulf countries, where the
number of mangrove species and
Associated flora and
fauna
are
low
Avicenia marina is the
most common in this
region.
Although
others, like rhizophora
mucronata
Ceriops
tagal and Bruguiera
gymnorhiza are being
planted on a limited
scale. There are also
wide variations in
their growth rates and
patterns
between
regions.
For example, the gray mangrove
(Avicennia marina) in the Bahrain
grows as shrubs with extensive
branching. Witch may reach a height of
1.5 to 2.0m; the same species in humid
regions of Pakistan, India and other
countries grow like a tree with a single
stem that may reach 7 m high and 50 cm
in diameter.
The best developed
mangrove forests in the equatorial
regions of Southeast Asia have trees
with 1 m thick stems and up to 45 m tall
trunks.
Mangroves plants survive in soils that are
poorly drained. Saline, anoxic and finetextured sandy or sandy loam mud. They
produce extensive shallow lateral roots
and slender conical aerial roots
(respiratory or breathing roots) that
emerge through the surface up to a height
of 5 to 15 cm. The unusual roots in
mangrove species give the plants a
characteristic appearance. These root
systems provide the plants with nutrients,
water and oxygen
In an environment
exceedingly deficient
in oxygen. When the
rising tide covers the
mangrove plants, gas
pressure falls due to
utilization of oxygen
in the spongy gasfilled tissue of the
lateral roots. The salt,
Which is absorbed by
the roots, is usually
stored in and/ or
secreted through salt
glands in the leaves.
Mangrove communities have become
important
components
of
many
biodiversity conservation and protection
programs. Because of their beneficial
effects on the coastal environment, many
gulf countries have taken measures for
their protection and for establishment of
extensive plantations. The Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations also established a very ambitious
program for mangrove protection on a
global level.
Mangroves in Kuwait
Geographically,
Kuwait
occupies
proximately 17,800 km2 of the
northwestern part of Arabian Gulf,
between 28° 05` and 30° 05` N and 48°
33` and 48° 35`East, with a nearly 290
km long coastline (Abou-ElNil et al.,
2001). The geomorphology of Kuwait’s
marine environment is characterized by
a shallow shelf of a depth less than 30m,
and the depth tends to increase in the
southeasterly direction (Subandar et al,
2001) One of the important features of
this ecosystem is Kuwait Bay, an
elliptical
engulfment
protruding
westward from the Gulf waters; with a
depth mostly between 0 and 10m. Like
in other part of the gulf area, the
morphology of the marine environment
favors the formation of a highly
sedimentary environment, providing
suitable habitats for sea grasses and
algae.
Soft substrate habitats (
mudflats), which constitute nearly 57%
of the Kuwaiti coast and spread aroud ---
The northern area (Bubiyan Island to
Kuwait Bay), are Biologically, highly
productive areas as large populations of
mudskipper fish, crabs, gastropods and
shrimp exist here.
In response to the desire of His Highness
the Amir, Kuwait initiated an extensive 20
years National Greenery Plan (NGP)
covering approximately 20,000 ha of open
spaces (KISR, 1996). The main goal of
this plan is to protect and enhance the
livability of the environment and to
promote sustainable use of natural
resources in the country. Introduction of
mangroves could play a major role in
achieving the NGP goals I the intertidal
areas of the mainland and the islands. A
forestation with mangroves in the
intertidal flats would increase green
cover, enrich marine fauna and enhance
the aesthetic and recreational value of the
coastal areas. In areas where shoreline
erosion is a problem, mangrove
plantations would provide reasonable
protection from tidal waves .
And contributed to the accumulation of
sediments.
Attempts to introduce mangroves to
Kuwait were first made in the 1960’s
through cooperation with Food and
Agriculture Organization, and again
between 1978 and 1980, but were not
successfully established ( Firmin, 1968;
Kogo and trusruda, 1996). In view of
the beneficial effects of mangroves in the
intertidal mudflats, KISR initiated
systematic research in 1992 to establish
the technical feasibility for the
introduction of mangroves (Abou-Elnile
et al.,2001). In the recently completed
study, wich was undertaken in
cooperation with the Public Authority for
Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources,
efforts were made to standardize mass
propagation and cultural practices for
growing mangroves under the harsh
climatic conditions of Kuwait and to
asses the environmental impact of the
introduction of
Mangroves (Bhat et al., 2002). The
guidelines
and
recommendations
contained in this publication are based
on the findings of these studies and the
experience
gained
by
scientists
participating in the project.
Establishment of
Mangrove Plantations
Some of the relevant issues in the
establishment of mangrove plantations is
described hereunder:
Selection of sites
Mangrove plantations cannot be
established in every available vacant
mudflat, and they exist in a dynamic
coastal environmental (airand water
temperature, water quality, water
turbidity) and soil characteristics (PH,
salinity, redox potential, soil texture)
should be taken into consideration while
choosing a site for establishing
Mangroves plantations. In addition to
these characteristics, factors such as
easy accessibility, protection from
grazing, suitable topography, daily
tidal coverage, absence of household
wastes and rubles, freedom from
pollutants from oil spills and drainage
outlets and soil salinity within the
threshold limits for a given species
should also be looked into before
taking a final decision on the site
selection KISR studies indicated that
sites containing fine textured sand or
sandy loam soil in the 3 to 30 cm layer
from the top that are free of pollutants
and drainage effluents and covered by
daily tidal water are ideal for
establishing mangrove plantations.
The site should also have an anaerobic
subsoil Layer. Physical and chemical
characteristics of soil of a site in
Doha, which gave the best seeding
establishment, are indicated in table 1.
Selection of Mangrove Species and
Propagule Source.
Selection of suitable mangrove species/
ecotypes and locating reliable propagule
(seed in several mangrove species is known
as propagule) source are crucial steps in
mangrove establishment.
Studies were
conducted at KISR to evaluate a number of
species (Avicennia marina, Avicenna
germinant, Ceriops tagal) and ecotypes of
Avicenna marina (UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan
and local selections ) for their suitability for
growing in Kuwait. Results suggested that
UAE and locally selected ecotypes of
Avicenna marina and a Avicennia
germinans ecotype from Florida were
highly adaptable to Kuwait’s environmental
conditions. In contrast, seedlings of Ceriops
tagal, although
successfully established in the field,
could.
not survive extreme temperatures during
summer.
To increase the resiliency of the
plantations, in which other species can
exist together with the main species (A.
marina). Therefore, KISR is making
further efforts to test the suitability of
other mangrove ecotypes of Avicennia
and mangrove species, such as
Rhizophora mucronata.
Raising Planting Materials
Raising
plant
materials
include
propagule treatment treatment and
sowing, acclimatization of seedlings to
seawater salinity and growth monitoring
as further detailed.
Propagule
Treatment
and
Sowing. Immediately upon arrival,
propagules should be unpacked and
graded to separate large-and sall-sized
seeds and placed in tap water. For rapid
germination, propagules should be soaked
for 24 h and germinated in galvanized iron
(GI) trays or polyethylene-lined wooden
benches in environment controlled
greenhouses. Experiments conducted at
KISR
recommend
the
following
procedures for raising superior quality
planting materials of Avicennia marina.
• Large-sized
propagules
(weighing 4.7g or more) that
have been soakedfor 24 h before
sowing should be used. An
extended period of presoaking
will cause the browning of
hypocotyls, Wich adversely
affect germination.
• Sowing during SeptemberOctober produces a greater
number of viable and more
vigorous seedlings May sowing.
However, seedlings from May
sowing growat a faster rate and
produce tall and thin seedlings.
• A 100% soil or soil mixed with
sphagnum peat moss in a 1:1 v/v
ratio should be used for sowing.
Black polyethylene bags of 500
ml capacity were found more
suitable than jiffy pots and hard
plastic pots.
• Germinating the propagules and
Growing the seedlings initially in fresh
water in an environment controlled
greenhouse and then acclimatizing them
to seawater is a more efficient and
preferable approach than germinating
them directly in saline water.
Seedlings should be protected from
insects (Thrips and mealy bugs) and
disease attack
(rotting) by regular spraying of systemic
pesticides.
acclimatization of seedlings to
seawater salinity. soil salinity in the
intertribal mudflats along Kuwait’s
northern coastline ranges from 11.05 to
55.5 ds.m-1 (35.000 to 40.000 ppm). It is
important to acclimatize the seedlings to
Prevailing salinity levels. For better
Gradually raising the salinity levels of the
establishment and growth in the field, holding water in the nursery benches to
seedlings should be acclimatized by
around raising the salinity levels of the
holding water in the nursery benches to
around 50.000 ppm.
The seedlings should be maintained at this Growth Monitoring
salinity level until they are transferred to It is important to closely monitor the
the field.
growth of plants in the field, especially
during the initial three years. The rate of
Field Planting
growth and growth habit vary with the
Hardened seedling should be planted in 30 ecotype. The Avicennia marina ecotype
cm diameter planting holes at a spacing of from Pakistan attained an average height
2x2 m. At the time of planting, seedlings of approximately 50-60 cm and produced
should be carefully handled to prevent any five branches in one year after planting.
damage to the taproot and the root ball. In contrast, the UAE ecotype, although
KISR results suggested that both site shorter (30-40 cm) produced a higher
characteristics and the location of number of branches (7-9 branches per
seedlings in the intertribal mudflats within plant ). Avicenna germinant did not
each site greatly influence seedling produce any auxiliary branches during the
establishment and growth, with plants first year. Plants formed the characteristic
along or near the tidal line showing the breathing roots (pneumatics ophores).
maximum survivability and height Under Kuwait’s growing conditions, the
increase. Post-planting site assessment of daftest rate of growth occurs during the
selected locations within each site period between July and November.
indicated that the presence of sandy loam Growth almost stops from December until
in the top 3 cm and fine textured sand in February. Plants start to flower at the
the surface ( 3 to 30 cm from surface ) beginning of April June viviparous seeds
favored the establishment of Avicenna and mature in October.
marina plants.
Based on the findings of studies
conducted by KISR. A planting scheme
for the establishment of a mangrove
plantation in Kuwait was developed
(Fig.1)
Precautions to be Taken for
Maximizing Seedling Growth
The following precautions are necessary
for successful establishment of mangrove
plantations in Kuwait:

Most mangrove species are sensitive
to both low temperatures and sudden
fluctuations
in
temperature.
Avicenna marina is a long-day plant
requiring high intensity sunlight for
rapid growth And development.

Hence,
open
areas
where
temperature fluctuations are minimal
and free from frost should be
selected for mangrove plantations.
Strong winds cause physical damage
(breaking of stem. Dislodging of
plant) to seedling, increase evapotranspiration rates, increase salinity
of the surrounding water and
influence the severity of tidal
currents in coastal areas. Which in
turn, affect newly planted mangrove
seedlings.
Therefore, sites with
frequent strong winds blowing
should be avoided.
Creation of anaerobic conditions
around the roots is crucial for
mangrove growth and development.
Aviccennia marina plants were
found to develop better on mud and
fine grain sand than in sandy or
clayey soils.
Discharge of domestic and industrial
sewage effluents into the sea should
be avoided.

Unexpected dumping of sea weeds or
other waste materials left behind by
the receding tidal water can result in
significant damage to seedlings in
new plantations.
A number of studies have shown that
mangroves are the most sensitive of
all coastal ecosystem
Types to oil spills. Although effects of
the physical standing of oil in intertribal
mangrove habitants is largely dependent
on the oil type. The elapsed time between
a spill and its’ stranding. Wind and
current conditions. Sites prone to frequent
oil spills should be avoided.

Low nutrient availability affects
seedling growth under Kuwait’s
prevailing conditions.
Environmental
Impact
Mangrove Plantations
of
Mangrove Communities are vital to the
stability and health of various adjacent
ecosystems, including sea grass, coral
reefs and marine fauna. They act as a
nursery ground for juvenile finfish and
shrimp. Abundance of finfish and shrimp
larvae in mangroves will also maintain
genetic pools (reservoirs), which are
important to protect the biodiversity of
coastal ecosystems.
Mangroves also
provide a refuge and breeding area for
birds and other marine and terrestrial
wildlife that depend on marine fauna.
Preliminary assessments of environmental
impacts curried out by KISR suggested a
positive impact of mangrove plantations
on marine and coastal environments.
These studies confirm that growing
mangroves,
By increasing greenery and enriching
marine ecosystem-terms along Kuwait’s
coastlines, will lead to a cleaner coastal
environment and higher marine
productivity in Kuwait.
References
Abou –Elnile, M. M; L. AlSabah; H. Al-Menaie; J. Hussain,
S. Al-Melhem; S. Al-Mattar; and
A. Al Ajeel. 2001. Introduction of
mangroves to the coastlines of
Kuwait. In mangrove Ecosystems:
Natural Distribution. Biology and
Management. Narayanna. R. Bhat,
F. K. Taha and A. Al-Nasser (eds),
Kuwait: Kuwait Institute for
scientific Reasearch pp 181-194,
Kuwait.
Bhat, N. R; S. A. Shahid, H. AlZalzaleh; M. S. Khalil. H. AlManaie, R. Al-Nafisi; A. AlGhadban; H. Al-Qattan; and H. AlNouri. 2002. Introduction of
mangrove for protection and
enrichment of Kuwait coastlines.
Kuwait Institute for Scientific
Research Report No. KISR 6345,
Kuwait.
KISR. 1996. National greenery
Plan.
Kuwait
Institute
for
Scientific Research. Report No.
KISR 4938. Kuwait .
Firman. R. 1968 Forestry trials with
highly saline or seawater in Kuwait. In
Saline or seawater in Kuwait. In Saline
Irrigation for Agriculture and Forestry.
Edited by H. Boyko and Dr. W. Junk.
Hague. The Netherlands.
Kogo, M. and K. Tsuruda. 1996. Species
selection for mangrove planting.
In
Restoration of Mangrove planting. In
Restoration of Mangrove Ecosystems.
Field. (ed). The International Tropical
Timber Organization Yokohama, Japan.
And the International Society for
Mangrove Ecosystems. Okinawa. Japan
pp. 197-208.
Sbandar, A. S. H. Alhazeem and A. H.
Alsaffer. 2001. Mangrove replanting
Scheme in Kuwait: An Evaluation and
advantages. In: Mangrove Ecosystems:
Natural Distribution.
Biology and
Management. Narayana R. Bhat, Faisal K.
Taha and Afaf Al-Nasser (eds). Kuwait
Institute for Scientific Research. Pp 219234. Kuwait