Coral reefs, often called the “Rainforests of the Sea,” cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine species. These complex marine ecosystems provide food, protect coastlines, support livelihoods, and hold cultural and medicinal significance.
However, coral reefs are under severe threat, particularly from climate change-induced marine heatwaves, as evident from the 50% decline in coral cover in Lakshadweep since 1998.
Significance of coral reefs:
- Food Security: Supports 500 million people, especially in small island nations.
- Tourism Revenue: Great Barrier Reef generates $6.4 billion annually.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Host over 4,000 fish species and 800 coral species.
- Shoreline Protection: Reefs reduce wave energy force by up to 97%.
Major Threats to Coral Reefs:
1. Climate Change:
- Ocean Warming: Leads to coral bleaching. In 2016, El Niño caused the bleaching of 29% of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Sea Level Rise: Increases sedimentation, smothering corals.
- Intense Storms: Physically damage reef structures.
2. Pollution:
- Ocean Acidification: Ocean pH has declined by 30% since the Industrial Revolution, weakening coral skeletons (NOAA).
- Marine Debris: Plastics physically damage reefs and introduce toxins.
- Nutrient Runoff: Fertilizers cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen.
3. Overfishing and Destructive Practices:
- Overfishing disrupts food chains.
- Blast and Cyanide Fishing physically destroy reef habitats.
4. Coastal Development:
- Sedimentation and habitat destruction due to construction and land reclamation.
5. Unsustainable Tourism:
- Physical damage from boat anchors, trampling, and marine mining.
Conservation Strategies:
International Initiatives:
- International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI): Advocates sustainable reef management.
- Coral Triangle Initiative: Multilateral protection of Southeast Asia’s reefs.
- Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN): Tracks reef health globally.
India’s Measures:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Hard corals under Schedule I.
- Environment Protection Act, 1986: Pollution control and marine ecosystem protection.
- CRZ & IPZ Notifications: Ban on coral mining and regulate coastal activities.
Way Forward:
Strengthen Policy Enforcement:
- Tighten regulation on fishing, tourism, and coastal development and expand Marine Protected Areas with proper enforcement.
Climate Change Mitigation:
- Accelerate carbon emission reductions and invest in climate-resilient reef management strategies.
Restoration Technologies:
- Promote Bio-rock Technology and Coral Gardening for reef rehabilitation and use artificial reefs to aid regeneration.
Community Engagement:
- Involve local and indigenous communities in conservation and promote eco-tourism and citizen science.
Global Cooperation:
- Share best practices through multilateral forums like UNEP, CBD, and ICRI and support transboundary reef protection agreements.
Conclusion:
Coral reefs are more than just vibrant underwater ecosystems, they are life-support systems for marine life, economic lifelines for coastal communities, guardians of the shoreline, and pharmacies of the ocean. Their protection is not merely an environmental imperative but a human security, economic development, and cultural heritage concern especially for a maritime nation like India.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- Lakshadweep & Gulf of Mannar face recurring marine heatwaves.
- Aichi Target 10 (CBD): Reduces anthropogenic pressures on reefs.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Protect iconic reefs such as Great Barrier Reef.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): E.g., Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
- Coral Reef Research Centre was recently set up in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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