The Asia Development Assistance Facility of the New Zealand Government has carried out a study with the objective of evolving a management plan for sustainable management of the estuary for ecosystem development.
The shores of the lake are home to important species of rare birds and animals.
Any decisions made concerning the Ashtamudi Estuary's resources and its sustainable management significance is dictated by about a million people who live on its shores and the large species of rare birds and animals which provide the equally important biodiversity to the lake's environs.
The Plan envisages:
Identify and phase out of the pollution sources
Better sanitation, reduction of industrial growth and reduction of urban waste to ensure the maintainable water quality of the estuary.

Address the declining fish stock production through concerted efforts to conserve the fish stock of the estuary in a sustainable manner and with community participation
Product diversification of coir to ensure better economic returns to people with the coordination of self-help groups
Improved shore protection through mangrove afforestation for ecosystem development on the banks of the estuary
Mining to be allowed selectively at village level, away from the banks of the lake
Discontinue estuary reclamation
Set defined navigation routes undisturbed by fishing nets
Neendakara port to be provided with improved sanitation facilities, enhanced boat-fuelling terminals and drainage terminals.

Promote ecotourism with better facilities of inland navigation and services in the form of:
developing of marine bio-reserve, nature island and mangrove conservation area
visits to temples nearby and other places of cultural and archeological importance
visits to coir-producing villages, rubber-producing villages, rice fields, fish hatcheries and other biodiversity hot spots
The above activities have been suggested for implementation in the Vellimon Kayal, a relatively unspoiled part of the estuary.

With funds provided by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, revival of mangrove forests was done which is reported to be partially successful (out of 2,40,000 mangrove saplings planted over a period of two years 30,000 are reported to be surviving).
The Asia Development Assistance Facility of the New Zealand Government has carried out a study with the objective of evolving a management plan for sustainable management of the estuary for ecosystem development. The shores of the lake are home to important species of rare birds and animals. Any decisions made concerning the Ashtamudi Estuary's resources and its sustainable management significance is dictated by about a million people who live on its shores and the large species of rare birds and animals which provide the equally important biodiversity to the lake's environs. The Plan envisages:
Identify and phase out of the pollution sources
Better sanitation, reduction of industrial growth and reduction of urban waste to ensure the maintainable water quality of the estuary.
Address the declining fish stock production through concerted efforts to conserve the fish stock of the estuary in a sustainable manner and with community participation
Product diversification of coir to ensure better economic returns to people with the coordination of self-help groups
Improved shore protection through mangrove afforestation for ecosystem development on the banks of the estuary
Mining to be allowed selectively at village level, away from the banks of the lake
Discontinue estuary reclamation
Set defined navigation routes undisturbed by fishing nets
Neendakara port to be provided with improved sanitation facilities, enhanced boat-fuelling terminals and drainage terminals.
Promote ecotourism with better facilities of inland navigation and services in the form of:
developing of marine bio-reserve, nature island and mangrove conservation area
visits to temples nearby and other places of cultural and archeological importance
visits to coir-producing villages, rubber-producing villages, rice fields, fish hatcheries and other biodiversity hot spots
The above activities have been suggested for implementation in the Vellimon Kayal, a relatively unspoiled part of the estuary.
With funds provided by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, revival of mangrove forests was done which is reported to be partially successful (out of 2,40,000 mangrove saplings planted over a period of two years 30,000 are reported to be surviving).
Ashtamudi Lake