1. Broad subject area 2. Specialization 3. Title of the proposed project octocorals 4.

Name and address of the Investigator

: Life Sciences : Marine Biology :

Distribution and molecular phylogenetic analyses of Andaman Nicobar gorgonian : Dr. J.S.Yogesh Kumar Zoological Survey of India Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Phone: 03192 233148 Fax: 03192- 230115 E.Mail: coralyogesh@yahoo.co.in 5. Details of the proposed project to be undertaken: Origin of proposal: This project will be the first of its kind in the country involving the study of the growth rate of gorgonians their diversity and distribution. The results obtained from this project will be the baseline data for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and it would be very helpful to conserve these resources. Research work engaged at present Survey and monitoring of coral reefs and associated faun at Andaman and Nicobar Islands National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRI) project. 1. Study the taxonomy of corals, soft corals and its associates. 2. Studies on species composition and community structure of coral reefs. 3. Preparation of field guides. 4. Studies on coral diseases 5. Mapping of coral reefs using GIS Objectives of the proposed project
1. To determine the gorgonian diversity and distribution in the reef islands at Andaman and

Nicobar. 2. To assess the gorgonian species distribution at different depth of reef areas.

3. To assess the growth rate of gorgonians at different depths. 4. To assess the fishes associated with the gorgonians.

5. To determine the ecological variation of gorgonian coral beds. 6. To assess the impact of climate change on gorgonian diversity. Review of R&D in the proposed area (National & International Status, Importance, patents etc.) National Literature Taxonomic studies on gorgonian species along the coast of India and its adjacent waters have been studied by Pratt, 1903; Thompson and Crane, 1909; Thomson and Simpson, 1909. In India, the gorgonians exported are commercially classified under 4 types namely Black, Red, Flower and Monkey tail, particularly 22 species from 7 families and 15 genera was an important export from India (Thomas and Rani, 1986; 1987). According to Thomas et al. (1995), in India, 27 species of gorgonians belonging to 8 families and 19 genera have been reported. Among them 12 species of gorgonians from 4 families and 9 genera have been reported from the Northeast coast of India. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 10 species from 4 families and 9 genera have been recorded (Venkataraman et al., 2004). However the recent survey conducted during 2009 2011 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands revealed out 51 species of gorgonians belonging to 25 genera, 8 families, and 3 sub orders (Venkataraman et al., 2011). International Literature The Indo-Pacific shallow water gorgonians have been listed by the contributions of several authors in this region (Stiasny, 1941; Mai-Bao-Thu and Domantay, 1970, 1971; Muzik and Wainwright, 1977; Zou and Scott, 1980; Howard and Alice, 1983; Zou and Chen, 1984; Alderslade, 1986; van Ofwegen, 1987, 1994; Goh and Chou 1995, 1996; Williams, 1992; Williams and Lindo, 1997; Grasshoff and Alderslade, 1997; Grasshoff, 1999; 2000; Katharina Fabricius and Alderslade 2001; Dautova, 2007). Taxonomic literature on gorgonians from the Indo-Malayan region includes the monographs of the Siboga (Nutting 1910 a-f; Stiasny, 1937) and Snellius (Stiasny, 1940) expeditions which have described the fauna of the Malay Archipelago. Van Ofwegen (1987) described species of the family Melithaeidae from the Indian Ocean and the Malay Archipelago. In Southeast Asia, few additions have been reported concerning the diversity of gorgonians (Goh and Chou 1996; Goh et al., 1997; Ofwegen et al., 2000; Ofwegen and Alderslade, 2007).

Hickson (1906a, b) and Faure (1977) have described the gorgonian fauna of Maldives and the Mascarene Archipelago. Alcyonarians including gorgonians collected by the Royal Indian Marine Survey Ship have been reported to contain 187 species from the Indian Ocean (Thompson and Simpson, 1909). From Thailand 28 genera are known (Alderslade et al., 1989) and in Singapore, 12 genera of gorgonians were found (Goh and Chou 1996). Fewer studies have been made on the growth rates of gorgonians, one of the early published works being that of Cary (1914). In all these studies, colonies were measured directly, either with tagging (Weinberg and Weinberg, 1979) or without tagging (Yoshioka and Yoshioka, 1991) of individual colonies. Sectioning of branches to measure growth rings has also been carried out (Grigg, 1974; Mitchell et al., 1993). In terms of geographical location, these studies were conducted in the Mediterranean (Velimirov, 1975; Weinberg and Weinberg, 1979; Mistri and Ceccherelli, 1993), Eastern Pacific (Grigg, 1974), the Caribbean (Cary, 1914; Kinzie, 1970; Lasker, 1991; Yoshioka, 1991) and Indian Ocean (Goh and Chou,1995; Loyjiw et al.,2008) Work plan (including detailed methodology and time schedule) Methodology Permanent survey locations will be selected and fixed with a Global Positioning System (GPS). The line intercept transect (LIT) method will be employed at the study area by SCUBA diving from 5-30 m depth, as described by English et al., (1997). The number of transects to be examined within an area will be based on the size of the area and the density of gorgonians available in that area. The specimens will be identified based on the morphological characteristics of the colonies and sclerite structure. Sclerites will be extracted using 5% Sodium hypochlorite (Bayer, 1961). The classification will be made on the basis of Bayer (1981c) and the terminology will be done on the basis of Bayer et al. (1983) reports. Diversity Indices: From the obtained data, various indices like species diversity (Shannon, et al., 1949), richness (Simpson, 1949) and evenness (Pielou, 1966) will be calculated using the standard formulas.

Duration (Three Years) First Year Study sites will be selected, permanent monitoring tag will be fixed on some selected species for growth study, and diversity and distributional data and underwater photos will be collected every month. During the survey, sediments and water samples will be collected and habitat mapping will also be carried out with the help of SCUBA. Second Year Growth rate at different selective sites will be assessed and the collected gorgonian samples will be identified, registered and documented in the National museum. Sediment and water samples will also be collected for analysis. Third Year All the necessary analysis (meteorological, hydrological, heavy metals and biological like antibacterial, antifouling etc.) will be carried out and the data and results will be statistically analyzed. Using this information, detailed report will be prepared. Pert Chart 1 Year Site selection, tag will be fixed selected colony for growth study and collection of sediment, water samples for ecological study. Collected gorgonian samples will be identified and Growth rate at different selective sites will be assessed. Analysed data will be statistically correlated and interpretation of results preparation of final technical report. 2 Year 3 Year

Future plans
1. To study the diversity and distribution of gorgonians at different regions from Indian

coast (Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Laccadives and Goa coast).

2. To assess the diversity of gorgonians is in Indian coast. 3. To examine the distribution of gorgonians at different depth and sites. 4. To study the gorgonian associated fauna at all the study sites. 5. To understand the response of gorgonians and associated habitat to physico - chemical

parameters.
Details of the research funding received in the past and/ongoing projects (mention Ref.

no., title, duration, cost, funding agency, and brief achievements). No 6. Name and address of the institution where the proposal will be/likely to be executed:

7. Facilities provided/to be made available at the host institute:

8. Name(s) and address (es) of Indian expert(s) in the proposed area Dr. P.A.Thomas Retied Scientist CMFRI, Kochin. Dr. Antony Fernando Retied Professor CAS Annamalai University Parangipattai, Cuddalore Dt. Tamilnadu. Dr. K.Padmakumar Dept. of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries University of Kerala,

Karyavattom, Thiruvanthapuram 695581. 9. Details of financial requirements for three years (with justifications) and phasing for each year: Fellowship @Rs.35,000/-p.m.* S.No. 1 2 Justific ation 3 Justific ation 4 Justific ation 5 Justific ation Particulars 1 Year 2 Year 4,20,000 60,000 3 year 4,20,000 60,000 Total 12,60,000 1,80,000

Fellowship @ Rs. 35,000/- 4,20,000 p.m.* Manpower** (project 60,000

Assistant) (Rs. 5,000/-) One project assistant has been requested for the proposed work, which involves intensive fieldwork and laboratory work. Consumables 25,000 25,000 25,000 75,000 Chemicals are essential for sample preservation and getting information about sedimentation, nutrients in both sediment and water and heavy metals in sediment, water and gorgonian skeleton. Travel 1,20,000 1,20,000 60,000 3,00,000 The travel cost for the project staff to go to field is necessary to do the proposed work. The budget would also be used for the participation of project staff in local conferences/seminars/workshops/ meetings etc. Contingency 85,000 85,000 80,000 2,50,000 The budget has been requested to meet out routine project activity expenses like photo copies, photographs, communication, postage, scanning charges, literature, stationeries for report preparation, oil, petrol for under water cylinder preparation by the help of air compressor etc. The incidental expenses would also be met from this budget. Equipment 2,25,000 2,25,000 SLR Digital Camera with Under water housing, Macro lance, Micro-oven and Water Sampler. Overhead costs (@20% of 1,87,000 project cost)

1,42,000

1,29,000

4,58,000

10. Have you ever applied before under this Scheme or Women Scientist Scheme? If yes, give details (Name of the scheme, Title, subject area, reference number, if any, year and the

decision). No 11. Any other information in support of the proposed project: The recently baseline survey conducted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands revealed out 51 species of gorgonians belonging to 25 genera, 8 families, and 3 sub orders were identified and registered in regional museum of Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island. 12. Statement from the Present Employer as per Annexure-I (In respect of person holding regular position).

DETAILED BIO - DATA 1. Name of the Applicant : J.S.YOGESH KUMAR Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Phone: 03192 230115, 237582 Fax: 03192- 230115 E.Mail: coralyogesh@yahoo.co.in 3. Date of Birth : 16/04/1979 2. Mailing Address (Indicate Telephone, Fax, E-mail, etc.) : Zoological Survey of India,

4. Educational Qualifications (Starting from Graduation onwards): Sl.No Name . 1 2 3 4 n B.Sc M.Sc M Phil PhD of University/Boa rd M.S.University M.S.University M.S.University M.S.University Year Passing 2001 2004 2006 2012 of Grade/Divn.& percentage of ZOOLOGY ZOOLOGY ZOOLOGY ZOOLOGY marks in aggregate 54.88% 60.95% 68.4 % Subject Passed

Examinatio

5. A. Details of professional training and research experience, specifying period. 1. PGDCA., 2002 ICT computer education, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
2. Open Water and Advance open water SCUBA., 2006 Barracuda Dive centre, Goa,

India.
3. Rescue Diver and Emergency First Responder (EFR)., 2007, Goa, India. 4. Dive Master (PADI), 2008 Barracuda dive centre, Goa, India. 5. Certified Sustainable Fishing trainer, 2008 Central Marine Fisheries Research

Institute, Kochin, India.

6. Crab and Lobster Fattening, 2008 Fisheries College, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India.

B. Details of research and employment (past & present) experience. Name of the Office/ Post held From To Nature of duties/

Instt./ Orgn. Sugandi Devadasan JRF Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) Thoothukudi Peoples Action Development (PAD) Thoothukudi for Research Associate

Jan 2006

May 2006

Exp. Coral reproduction and recruitment

May 2006

June 2009

Assessment flora Mangrove

of and

marine fauna and

restoration project Zoological India (ZSI) Andaman and Nicobar Islands SRF 1st December 2011 still date Survey Of JRF 17
th

July November 2011

Survey Monitoring coral reef

and of and

2009

associated Fauna

C. List of publications during last five years (with complete details such as Journal name, all the authors name as appeared in the journal, volume number, page number and the year of publication).

INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Clavulariidae) a newly observed thread to Gulf of Mannar coral biodiversity? Current Science. 100 (1):35-37.

Padmakumar, K., R.Chandran, J.S.Yogesh Kumar and R.Sornaraj. (2011). Carijoa riisei

NATIONAL JOURNALS T.S. Christopher Roy. (2010). Scleractinian Diversity of Keelakarai Group of Islands In Gulf Of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Tamilnadu Int. J. Biol. Sci.(1), 59-66pp.

Yogesh Kumar, J.S., R. Sornaraj., N. Gladwin Gnana Asir., V. Madhan Chakkaravarthy and

Yogesh Kumar, J.S., C R Sreeraj, R Sornaraj, (2011). Opisthobranchs of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 58 (4): 101-104pp. Ramakrishna, Titus Immanuel., C. R. Sreeraj., C. Raghunathan., R. Raghuraman., P. T. Rajan. and J. S. Yogesh Kumar. (2010). An account of additions to the Icthyofauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Rec. of Zoo.Surv.of India. 326:1-140. BOOKS Raghuraman., P.T.Rajan., and Titus Immanuel. (2010). Guide to Ophisthobranchs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Zoological Survey of India, ISBN : 81-8171-261-5., 196pp. CONFERENCE/ SEMINAR / SYMPOSIUM comparison with natural reef from, Car Nicobar Island, India. In:R.K. Gautam et al., (Eds), Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Tropical Island Ecosystem- Issues related to Livelihood, Sustainable development and Climate change. CARI, Port Blair, 140 pp. Sornaraj, R., J.S.Yogesh Kumar, R. Balasubramanian and S.Subburaman. (2010). Disribution of Heavy metal Pollution in Punnakayal Coastal Sediments, Southeast Coast of India. National Seminar on Applied Chemistry in Marine Sciences: 2010 of Indian Society of Applied Geochemists (ISAG). 38 pp. Yogesh Kumar, J.S., C.R.Sreeraj, S.Subburaman and R.Sornaraj. (2010). Shipwreck as artificial reef and it comparison with natural reef from Goa India. National Symposium on Parasite Taxanomy, Biodiversity and Fish health: Environmental impacts March 12-13, 2010. Roy, T.S.C., alternate Ritchies International Kumar, J.S.Y. and Peter, lobster Recent D.M. Poster (2010). from in presentation Identification the Lobster waters during of of the commercially archipelago, Conference important on species Advances Yogesh Kumar, J.S. and C. Raghunathan, C. (2011). Shipwreck as an artificial reef and its Ramakrishna., C.R. Sreeraj., C. Sivaperuman., C. Raghunathan., J.S. Yogesh Kumar., R.

Andamans.

Biology

Aquaculture and Management (RALBAM 2010) held at NIOT, Chennai, India from 5th-8th January 2010 (Abstract, p. 87).

6. Professional recognition, awards, fellowships received: No. 7. Any other information. PAPERS ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION antipathies (Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Records of Zoological Survey of India. Yogesh Kumar, J.S., C. Raghunathan and K. Venkataraman. New records of Octocorallia from Indian waters. Records of Zoological Survey of India. Yogesh Kumar, J.S., C. Raghunathan and K. Venkataraman. Observation of Antipatharian corals from the Andaman and Nicobar coast of India. Records of Zoological Survey of India. Venkataraman, K., Yogesh Kumar, J.S., Ragunathan, C., Sivaperuman, C., Raghuraman, R. and Sreeraj, C.R. Gorgonians (Octocorallia) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Records of Zoological Survey of India. Venkataraman, K., Ramakrishna, R. Raghuraman C.R Sreeraj., C. Raghunathan, Titus Immanuel and J.S. Yogesh Kumar. Scleractinian corals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Records of Zoological Survey of India Yogesh Kumar, J.S. and C. Raghunathan. New records of Rumphella aggregata and Rumphella

Place : Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Date : Signature of the applicant