The US-based Seacology, an environment non-profit organisation, has selected Ms Lakshmi for the prestigious Environment Award – Seacology Prize 2015. She has been chosen for her outstanding contribution in conserving the marine resources and cultural traditions of her village, Chinnapalam, a small coastal hamlet in the island. The award comprises $10,000 and a trophy with her name inscribed on it. Vineeta Hoon, a Seacology representative in Chennai, had shortlisted Lakshmi’s name.

Ms. Lakshmi took to seaweed collection at the very young age and had been in the profession for nearly four decades supplementing her family income. She is heading the Gulf of Mannar seaweed collect women forum, the women’s wing of the Ramanathapuram district fish workers trade union.

About 2,000 women were engaged in seaweed collection, both in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, and Lakshmi guided them in sustainable collection.

What is Seaweed?

• Seaweed is a macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae that lives near the seabed. The study of seaweed is known as Phycology.
• Seaweeds are consumed by coastal people in some parts of the world.
• Seaweed extract is used in some diet pills.
• Seaweed is under consideration as a potential source of bioethanol.

Test Your Knowledge

The Study of Fungi is known as