Carbon Emissions from Kerala Reservoirs: An Estimation Study

Abstract

Reservoirs in Kerala serve a variety of purposes, including fisheries, which can potentially contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study attempts to estimate methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from reservoir fisheries as a precursor for promoting it as sustainable development. The carbon emissions from small, medium and large reservoirs from Kerala were estimated at 314.25, 644.82 and 184.8 tonnes km-2day-1. Despite being conserved, Peechi reservoir alone is a source of 1.2 tonnes of methane km-2day-1 and 36 tonnes of carbon dioxide km-2day-1, respectively. GHG emission from Pothundi reservoir can be estimated at 1.089 tonnes km-2 of CO2 eq. and 0.363 tonnes km-2 of CH4. These carbon foot print estimates where less compared to the same from aquaculture ponds and marine fisheries of India. This in turn explains the need for development for reservoir fisheries as it adheres to sustainable development goals.