Introduction

Abstract

This book provides an overview of the decades-long work of studying, analyzing, and reversing the environmental pressures that threatened India’s Chilika Lagoon, the largest brackish-water lagoon in the region, and the second largest in the world. Following the establishment of the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) steps were taken to gather information and devise a restoration plan that benefits the ecosystems of the lagoon, with sensitivity to the needs and livelihoods of local communities. The restoration plan included a major hydrological intervention to re-establish hydrological and salinity regimes, biodiversity, and fish catches, and help protect the livelihood of lagoon-dependent communities. Expert contributors detail the work of analysis, planning and implementation, including extensive coverage of such topics as: implementing Ramsar wise use guidelines; sedimentologic, chemical, and isotopic impacts; hydrodynamics and salinity; runoff and sediment in watersheds; water quality and continued monitoring; bio-optical models for cyclone impact assessment; geomorphology, land use, and sedimentary environments; spatiotemporal assessment of phytoplankton communities; post-restoration scenario for fish and fisheries; and the status of waterbirds, species diversity and migration patterns.