Socioeconomic Aspects of Intertidal Gastropod Turbo brunneus (Roding 1798) in Konkan Region, India

Abstract

Maharashtra is a coastal state along the Eastern Arabian sea, India which is richly endowed with aquatic biodiversity. The present study attempts to quantify the ecosystem goods and services provided by gastropod (Mollusca) Turbo brunneus (Roding, 1798) in Mumbai and Raigad districts of Konkan region, Maharashtra, India. T. brunneusis commercially used for decorative and ornamental purposes. It is analyzed for physiological, biochemical, toxicological aspects and thus, constitutes as an important socioeconomic entity. Socioeconomic analysis of intertidal area was carried out in Konkan region at three places, along Alibag, Shreevardhan (Jivanabander) and Dighi port. The Turbo brunneus was studied with respect to its impacts on human health, environmental, economic and social aspects. The data collected is based on the survey, wherein fishermen population was interviewed at all the three selected locations, considering the parameters such as collection of fish during monsoon and non-monsoon months, consumption patterns, reported cases of poisoning. The study revealed that T. brunneus is a potential source of food and drug, with an increasing demand as the resource in Konkan region, and is an extensive decline in its population was recorded during the study. There is a need to take preventive measures such as minimizing input of domestic and industrial effluents in coastal waters, establishment of natural reserves along with assessment of ecology and biology, in order to plan for conservation and sustainable utilization of the species.