Fishbone Canals Drive Successful Mangrove Restoration in Tamil Nadu

Muthupet, located in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state, is a unique ecological zone where rivers converge with lush mangrove forests. This region is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also plays a crucial role in coastal protection and carbon sequestration.

Conservation efforts in Muthupet include planting mangroves and salt-tolerant trees that thrive in coastal intertidal zones. Mangroves offer crucial ecosystem services such as:

As a coastal protection, it acts as a natural barrier against storm surges and coastal erosion.

As a biodiversity hotspot, mangroves provide habitats for a wide range of species, including fish, birds, and crustaceans. Over 1,000 species of flora and fauna are associated with mangrove ecosystems, and

As an effective carbon store, mangroves store up to four times more carbon than terrestrial forests, making them vital in combating climate change.

Muthupet is home to the largest mangrove forest in Tamil Nadu, covering approximately 12,020 hectares. The region is also a breeding ground for several fish species, which contribute to the local economy. It is a spot for birdwatchers with migratory birds using the area as temporary resting grounds.

There are many initiatives to restore and conserve Muthupet’s mangroves, ranging from international to local projects.

The Grow Billion Trees Partners not only aims to restore the mangrove ecosystem but also to empower local communities by providing them with sustainable livelihood options. Their initiatives include community-based tree-planting events, awareness campaigns to educate local communities about the importance of mangroves, and collaboration with scientists to monitor the health of mangroves and assess their impacts.

The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) aims to restore the degraded mangrove wetlands in Muthupet to enhance the resilience of coastal communities. About 240,000 mangrove saplings were raised in the nursery established in Muthupet.

The project is supported by Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) India through the Concern India Foundation. The project’s inauguration took place on 2 February 2025, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched a significant initiative to protect the region’s mangrove areas, planting mangroves across 2,057 hectares between 2022 and 2025 in the Muthupet region of Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts.

Tiruvarur DFO L C S Srikanth said the plantations have used both the “Fishbone Design” and “Box Design” canal models to enhance tidal water circulation that’s critical for natural seed dispersal and mangrove growth. “Over 1.2 million propagules and saplings were planted, supported by a canal network exceeding 380km in length,” the DFO said.

The plantations have utilised both the “Fishbone Design” and “Box Design” canal models to enhance tidal water circulation, which is critical for natural seed dispersal and mangrove growth.

“The canal design features a deep main feeder branching into angled distributary canals, resembling a fish skeleton. It revives natural tidal flow bringing in saltwater, nutrients, and draining excess water, vital for mangrove survival” (Sahu, 2025).

Click the video to see the incredible Fishbone canals of Muthupet in Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, created in the last three years: