CORAL REEF

Coral reefs can be defined as a ridge or mound of limestone, the upper surface of which is near the surface of the sea and formed of calcium carbonate by the actions of organisms, chiefly corals.

Coral Account: Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Ocean tropical forest: Coral reefs are regarded as the tropical rainforests of the sea and occupy just 0.1% of the ocean’s surface but are home to 25% of marine species.

Human settlement near reef: Approximately 850 million people live within 100 km of reefs; over 275 million reside within 30 km.

UN Report:
- 70% of Earth's coral reefs are threatened.
- 20% destroyed with no hope of recovery.
- 24% under imminent risk of collapse.
- 26% at risk due to long-term threats.

Mass bleaching: Record sea temperatures caused the third mass bleaching of the 2,300 km Great Barrier Reef in five years.

IPCC Report:
- Notes three major bleaching events between 2016–2020.
- Significant coral mortality observed.
- Northern and middle reef portions severely degraded.

FORMATION
Larva settlement: Free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or hard surfaces along island/continent edges.
Growth stage: Corals grow into fringing reefs, barrier reefs, or atolls.

Ideal Conditions:
- Stable climate with sunlight
- Warm waters (20–25°C)
- Shallow depths (45–55 m)
- Clear saline water (27–40% salinity)
- Abundant plankton
- No pollution

IMPORTANCE
Environmental:
- Maintain coastal biosphere quality
- Carbon sequestration through limestone shells
- Habitat for marine organisms; 25% of the world’s fish depend on coral reefs
- Nutrient recycling; carbon and nitrogen fixation
- Long-term climate records
- Water filtration by sponges and corals

Economic:
- Medicinal value for potential cures (cancer, arthritis, infections)
- Supports fisheries (spawning & nursery grounds)
- Tourism revenue (e.g., Great Barrier Reef contributes $1.5B annually)
- Livelihood opportunities

Geographic:
- Protect coastlines during storms/tsunamis
- Aid in monsoon forecasting

LOCATION
India:
- Gulf of Kutch – Fringing reefs
- Lakshadweep – Atolls
- Gulf of Mannar – Fringing reefs
- Andaman & Nicobar – Fringing reefs

Coral Triangle:
- Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Timor

THREATS
Environmental:
- Ocean acidification
- Extreme climate conditions
- UV and solar radiation
- Water pollution, runoff
- Rising sea surface temperatures

Geographical:
- Subaerial exposure during low tides
- Freshwater dilution due to rainfall/storms
- Coral diseases (e.g., Vibrio shiloi)

Anthropogenic:
- Coastal development
- Sedimentation from construction
- Pollution & nutrient loading
- Overfishing & destructive fishing (blast fishing, trawling)
- Tourism-related physical damage
- Plastic pollution (microplastics)

EXAMPLES
- Great Barrier Reef: Climate change main threat
- Lakshadweep: Recurrent bleaching observed

INITIATIVES
Government:
- Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Schedule I)
- Environmental Protection Act 1986
- ICZM initiatives (Gulf of Kutch)
- CRZ & IPZ notifications
- NCZMA & SCZMA for coastal protection
- Coral Bleaching Alert System (INCOIS)
- National Coral Reef Research Centre, Port Blair

Global:
- International Coral Reefs Initiative (ICRI)
- Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network
- International Coral Reef Action Network
- UNEP’s ecosystem-based adaptation
- UNFCCC, IPCC protocols
- CITES protection

BEST PRACTICES
- Project REGENERATE (Maldives)
- Reef Watch India: Build & Grow projects

MITIGATION MEASURES
Environmental:
- Regeneration of biodiversity
- Reducing greenhouse gases
- Prevent pollution discharge
- Ban destructive fishing techniques

Social:
- Community participation
- Food security & social cohesion

Economic:
- Sustainable fisheries
- Eco-tourism promotion
- Alternative livelihood support

RESTORATION METHODS
Bio-rock Technology: Mineral accretion for coral growth.
Biological Restoration:
- Asexual propagation
- Coral gardening (nurseries, transplantation)
Structural Restoration:
- Artificial reefs, sinking wrecks
Physical Restoration:
- Improving local reef conditions

FUTURE PROSPECTS
- Awareness & community education
- Strong climate action to reduce warming below 1.5°C
- Coral restoration programs (e.g., Force Blue)
- Marine protected areas (e.g., Gulf of Mannar)
- Satellite monitoring for mapping & health assessment
- Stricter fishing regulations
- Managing invasive species (e.g., crown-of-thorns starfish)

Coral reefs are ecologically, economically, and culturally invaluable. Rapid bleaching stresses the urgent need for strong protection programs, improved climate action, and large-scale restoration efforts in India.

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Subject: Environment

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