ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS AND SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION OF ALGAL FLORA OF ST. MARTIN’S ISLAND OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

St. Martin's is only coral rich island and an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) of Bangladesh which is important hot spots for its exceptional biodiversity i.e.  different species of corals, marine algae, molluscs, fishes, turtles, crabs, shrimp, mammals, wild animals, trees etc. This is also one of the prime tourist place of Bangladesh. The diversity, importance, ecological conditions, habit and habitat, environmental threats, sustainable conservation technique and wise use of the algal flora of this island to be discussed. Total 55 species of 27 genera of 3 divisions were identified. 11 species belong to 06 genera of Chlorophyceae, 30 species belong to 9 genera of Phaeophyceae and 14 species belong to 12 genera of Rhodophyceae family. Environmental threats on the algal diversity have been identified for future conservation. The threats are increasing of TSS, BOD₅, COD, oil-grease, Eh and rH₂, and organic load of habitats; subsurface leaching of sewerage tanks of the hotels; unplanned and excess collection of algae, coral, stones and shells; erosion of the lands; fishing, walking and bathing of the tourists inside the habitat of algae; dumping of solid and semi-solid waste materials, and burn oils of the water vessels; lack of awareness and alternative livelihoods of the islanders etc. Mitigation measures must be taken to reduce threats on the algal diversity for sustainable use of algal flora of the St. Martin’s island.