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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/1341

Title: Status of coral reefs of India
Authors: Muley, E.V.
Venkataraman, K.
Alfred, J.R.B.
Wafar, M.V.M.
Citation: Proceedings of the Ninth International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali, 23-27 October 2000. Vol. 2. Ed. by: Moosa, M.K.; Soemodihardjo, S.; Soegiarto, A.; Romimohtarto, K.; Nontji, A.; Soekarno; Suharsono. 847-853p.
Issue Date: 2002
Publisher: Ministry of Environment; Bali; Indonesia
Abstract: The major reef formations in India are restricted to the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kachchh, Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Scattered coral growth has also been reported along certain inter-tidal belts and submerged banks both on the east and west coasts of the country. The reefs at present are important to the local community only to the extent of sustenance fishing. Tourism is being developed at some places though local communities do not benefit much from the revenue generated. The health of corals, as deduced from the literature records since 60s has been on steady mainly due to stress from anthropogenic pressures and interference. The reef condition is generally poor and declining in near shore waters and areas of high population density. Sedimentation, dredging and coral mining are damaging near shore reefs, while the use of explosives and bottom nets in fishing are damaging off shore reefs in specific sites. The bleaching event of 1998 has been reported to have increased dead coral cover to about 70% in the Gulf of Kachchh, 40-60% in the Gulf of Mannar, 60-80% in Lakshadweep and about 80% (subsequent studies do not confirm this report) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Quantitative data and studies on monitoring health of coral reef are inadequate. However, post-bleaching surveys in Lakshadweep and Gulf of Mannar have shown slow recovery of some of the coral species. Impacts of bleaching on other reef organisms and reef fisheries have not been evaluated. Taking in to consideration ecological and economic significance of coral reefs and the threat perceptions, Government of India has initiated measures for their intensive conservation and management. Present paper deals with ecological status of coral reefs in the country and various national and international initiatives as well as current efforts of Government of India along with gaps and future directions for their conservation and management
Document type: Conference Article
URI: http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/1341
Appears in Collections:Biological Sciences

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