Kerala Ceramics Limited (KCL) at Kundara, a state government-owned public sector unit. A university professor who has studied this aspect wonders whether the lake would have to be soon rechristened "Sapthamudi" or the lake with seven locks of hair.The loss to people due to destruction of the creek is stated to be: a) "Karimeen" (pearl spot) and "kanambu" (mullet) fish varieties once the livelihood of fishermen have disappeared and resulting in the migration of the fishermen to Paravur and Varkala in the south and even Kannur in the north. b) People dependent on coir for a livelihood used the lake to soak husks but now the Kanjiracode coir industry is non-existent due to closure of the creek resulting in migration of coir workers to other places for a living. Restoration plans 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