Coral Reefs

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Why in News?

A 24-year study reveals a 50% decline in coral cover in Lakshadweep since 1998 due to repeated marine heatwaves intensified by climate change. The findings highlight the role of local conditions in reef resilience and recovery potential.

Description:

Coral reefs are marine ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form hard skeletons. These structures support a wide range of marine biodiversity.

  • Known as “Rainforests of the Sea“
  • Cover <0.1% of the ocean floor, but support ~25% of marine species
  • Corals live symbiotically with zooxanthellae algae

Ideal Conditions for Coral Reef Formation:

FactorIdeal Range/Requirement
Temperature23°C to 29°C
DepthLess than 50 meters (for sunlight penetration)
SalinityStable and high salinity
WaterClear and low nutrient (oligotrophic)
SubstrateHard surface (e.g. volcanic rocks)

 Types of Coral Reefs:

TypeDescription
FringingDirectly attached to the shore (e.g. Gulf of Mannar, Andamans)
BarrierSeparated from the land by a lagoon (e.g. Great Barrier Reef)
AtollsRing-shaped reefs surrounding a lagoon (e.g. Lakshadweep)
PatchIsolated small reefs, often found in lagoons (e.g. Gulf of Kutch)

Coral Reef Locations (World):

  • Coral Triangle: Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, PNG, Solomon Islands
  • Great Barrier Reef: Australia
  • Red Sea Reefs: Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia
  • Indian Ocean: Maldives, Seychelles
  • Caribbean: Belize, Bahamas
  • Pacific: Fiji, Marshall Islands
  • Atlantic: Bermuda, Brazil

Coral Reefs in India:

RegionTypeFeatures
Gulf of KutchFringingHigh salinity, tidal fluctuations
Gulf of MannarFringing>3,600 species, Biosphere Reserve
Palk BayFringingHigh sedimentation, resilient corals
Andaman & NicobarFringing, Patch, BarrierDiverse fauna, clownfish, reef sharks
LakshadweepAtollsCoral banks, tuna fisheries, seaweed cultivation

Importance of Coral Reefs:

Environmental:

  • Biodiversity hotspot (25% of marine species)
  • Coastal protection (reduce wave energy up to 97%)
  • Carbon sink & ecosystem balance

Economic:

  • Fisheries: ~500 million people depend on them
  • Tourism: ~$36 billion/year globally
  • Jobs: Fishing, diving, boat tours, etc.

Scientific/Medicinal:

  • Marine organisms yield anti-cancer, HIV, and anti-inflammatory drugs

Cultural/Heritage:

  • Integral to Pacific island cultures
  • Reefs preserve shipwrecks and artefacts

Threats to Coral Reefs:

Climate Change:

  • Bleaching due to ocean warming (e.g. 2016 El Niño → 29% of GBR bleached)
  • Ocean Acidification weakens coral skeletons
  • Sea-level rise → sedimentation
  • Increased storm frequency

Pollution:

  • Marine debris (plastics, oil, toxins)
  • Fertilizer runoff → algal blooms
  • Wastewater discharge

Overfishing:

  • Disrupts food chains
  • Destructive practices: blast fishing, cyanide fishing

Coastal Development:

  • Sedimentation and habitat loss
  • Dredging, tourism infrastructure

Human Activities:

  • Unsustainable tourism
  • Coral mining
  • Recreational diving damage

Conservation Efforts:

Global Initiatives:

  • ICRI: International Coral Reef Initiative
  • CTI: Coral Triangle Initiative
  • GCRMN: Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network
  • Aichi Target 10: Minimize climate-related coral damage
  • UNESCO WHS: Protects key reef sites

Indian Initiatives:

  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Hard corals in Schedule I
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986: Pollution control
  • CRZ Notification 1991/2011: Bans coral mining
  • Island Protection Zone (IPZ)
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
  • Coral Reef Research Centre: Andaman & Nicobar

 Way Forward:

  • Stricter enforcement of environmental laws
  • Restoration: Coral gardening, Biorock Technology
  • Carbon mitigation: Reduce emissions
  • Community awareness
  • International cooperation on marine conservation
Climate change and Coral Bleaching: (Coral Reefs)

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