A workshop held by the Ernakulam District Fisheries Coordination Committee on sedimentation in Vembanad Lake has recommended creation of a Vembanad Lake Conservation Authority to ensure that urbanisation and development activities do not adversely impact the ecosystem of the water body. The workshop, held at the CMFRI here on Saturday, sought urgent steps to remove sediments and mud from the lake which have hampered fishing. Efforts should be taken to convert sediments thus removed into value added products like bio-fertilisers. Expertise of institutions like the FACT should be utilised for this. Inaugurating the workshop, CMFRI director A. Gopalakrishnan said the need to protect the Vembanad ecosystem by integrating farming, fishing, fish-farming, tourism and ecological activities in a sustainable fashion. Adoption of floating agriculture and usage of water hyacinth pulps to create eco friendly products were among the options suggested by speakers. The silt could be removed and used as manure. The workshop has concluded that the presence of plastic is at an alarming degree in the lake. The recommendations would be submitted to the government.