Coral Reefs in India

Coral Reef is an underwater ecosystem formed by colonies of tiny marine invertebrates called coral polyps. These polyps live in symbiosis with microscopic algae, zooxanthellae, which give them energy and vibrant colors. Coral reefs provide food and shelter to a quarter of all marine life despite covering only about 1% of the ocean area. Coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the sea because of the rich biodiversity they support.

In this article, You will get to know about Coral reefs, How they formed, the List of coral reefs found in India, their types, and much more about them.

Coral Reefs in India

Coral Reefs in India

Here’s an overview table summarizing information about coral reefs in India:

Coral Reefs	Location	Key Features	Threats
Gulf of Mannar	Off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu	Marine biodiversity hotspot, Biosphere Reserve	Overfishing, pollution, coastal development
Lakshadweep	Off the southwestern coast of India	Atolls, Barrier reefs, Marine National Park	Coral bleaching, tourism impacts, pollution
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea	Rich biodiversity, Remote and pristine reefs	Coral bleaching, dynamite fishing, climate change
Palk Bay	Between southeastern India and Sri Lanka	Important fishing grounds, Shallow reefs	Overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction
Gulf of Kutch	Off the coast of Gujarat	Unique cold-water coral reefs	Industrial pollution, coastal development

Meaning of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. These polyps secrete calcium carbonate to build hard skeletons, which accumulate over time, forming intricate structures known as coral reefs. Coral reefs are often found in shallow, warm, clear waters, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

These ecosystems are incredibly diverse and provide habitat and food for a wide range of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and sponges. Coral reefs also offer numerous benefits to humans, including coastal protection from storms and erosion, fisheries support, tourism revenue, and potential medical discoveries through the study of marine organisms.

Types of Coral Reefs in India

India has a variety of coral reef formations, each with unique characteristics and the types of coral reefs in India are as follows:

• Fringing reefs: These are the most common type in India. They grow directly along the coast, with a shallow lagoon separating them from the mainland.

• Fringing reefs are found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, the Gulf of Kutch, and the Palk Strait.

• Barrier reef: India has only one major barrier reef, located along the west coast of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Unlike fringing reefs, barrier reefs run parallel to the shore at some distance, creating a deep lagoon in between.

• Atolls: These fascinating ring-shaped reefs encircle a central lagoon.

• India’s atolls are found in the Lakshadweep Islands, where chains of coral reefs have grown around submerged volcanic islands that have since eroded.

• Patchy reefs: These are smaller, isolated coral formations found scattered in areas with suitable conditions.

• Patchy reefs occur along the central west coast of India, in areas like Ratnagiri, Malvan, and Redi.

Highest Coral Reefs in India

The highest coral reefs in India are found in the Gulf of Mannar, located off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu. The Gulf of Mannar is known for its diverse marine ecosystem and is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and Marine National Park. The coral reefs in this region are characterized by their rich biodiversity, including various species of corals, fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms.

Laws protecting the Coral reefs of India

• The Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA): This broad act allows the government to declare protected areas and regulate activities that pollute or damage the environment. Coral reefs can potentially benefit from this by falling under protected areas.

• The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 1991: Issued under the EPA, this notification divides India’s coastline into different zones with varying restrictions on development activities. This helps regulate activities near coral reefs that could cause harm.

• The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972: This act offers protection to designated wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Many coral reef areas in India are included in these protected zones.

• The Indian Forest Act (IFA), 1927: The Indian Forest Act (1927), the Forest Conservation Act (1980), the Indian Fisheries Act, and various state fisheries acts can also play a role in managing activities that might impact coral reefs.

Coral Reefs in India – FAQs

Where are coral reefs found in India?

The coral reef formation in India are restricted to the Gulf of Mannar , Palk bay , Gulf of kutch , Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadeep Islands .While the Lakshadweep reefs are atolls, the others are all fringing reefs. Patchy coral is present in the inter-tidal areas of the central west coast of the country.

What is the biggest coral reef in the Indian Ocean?

The biggest coral in Indian Ocean is Saya de Malha Bank an enormous atoll located southwest of Mauritius. This underwater giant boasts some impressive stats: Area: 15,444 square miles (40,000 square kilometers)

What is the name of the coral island in India?

Lakshadweep is a group of islands having Coral Origin. In India, A group of islands is called an archipelago. The Lakshadweep is located on the shore of Kerala in the south region. The coral origin has its habitat and other exotic species and marine species.

What are India’s 4 coral reefs?

The coral reefs in India are mainly restricted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands , Gulf of Mannar , Gulf of Kutch , Palk Strait and the Lakshadweep islands .All of these reefs are Fringing reefs ,except Lakshyadweep which are Atolls.

Why is coral banned in India?

The ban is in place to protect and conserve coral reefs, which are crucial marine ecosystem .The illegal trade of corals can have serve consequences for marine biodiversity are ecosystem health.