Paradip: The Zoological Survey of India has undertaken a study of marine insects along the estuaries of the state.

A three-member team of scientists are on the job to scan the insect in estuaries in Dhamra and Paradip.

"The study of this kind is being conducted for the first time on the Odisha coast. We have drawn water samples and living insects for scientific study. After covering the state's estuaries, the team will move to the Andhra Pradesh coast for study of insect in estuaries," said the organisation's senior scientist Swetapadma Dash.

"It aims to gauge varied nature of insects living in the estuaries. We have traced the Gerridae family of insects, commonly known as water striders and water skippers. These species are rare and on the verge of extinction," she said.

"The water contents of the estuaries will also be examined to ascertain whether it is conducive for insect life. The insects are vital ingredients for marine biodiversity as aquatic animals feed on insects. Their survival is essential to maintain the prey-predator base in estuaries," a researcher said.

The organisation had also undertaken the study on the status of terrestrial and aquatic species inhabiting the Chilika lake, the country's largest brackish water lagoon. The researchers from estuarine biological regional centre based in Berhampur had lent a helping hand to the organisation's Calcutta team in the comprehensive scientific study. The findings of the study would throw new light on the sustainable growth of fauna along the wetland sites of the lagoon.