Pichavaram’s mangrove forest is under severe threat from plastic pollution, shrimp farming, land conversion and unregulated tourism. Microplastics are infiltrating sediments and aquatic species. This is weakening the ecosystem’s storm protection, fisheries and biodiversity.It is also endangering the health and livelihoods of local fishing communities who depend on these fragile waters. Global plastic pollution has widespread impact on marine life and mangrove ecosystems are showing signs of distress. New research in a coastal village of Tamil Nadu detected contamination in aquatic species, indicating the magnitude of the problem.Pichavaram is a small coastal village in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, located between the Vellar and Coleroon estuaries along the Bay of Bengal. The Pichavaram mangrove forest, one of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems and a designated Ramsar site, spreads across a complex network of tidal channels, mudflats and dense vegetation. This biotope ...