DOCSLIB.ORG

Under Water Visual Census of Reef Fishes in Tuticorin Group of Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Under Water Visual Census of Reef Fishes in Tuticorin Group of Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Science Vol.44 (10), October 2015 pp. 1585-1597 Under water visual census of reef fishes in Tuticorin group of islands, Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India G. Mathews*, R.L. Laju and K. Diraviya Raj Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, 44-Beach Road, Tuticorin - 628 001, India * [Email: [email protected]] Received 12 November 2013; revised 25 February 2014 Reef fishes are integral part of coral reef ecosystem as they play major role in ecological balance. Visual census of fish assemblages on coral reefs in the vicinity of four islands in Tuticorin group, Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India was conducted between August 2011 and November 2012. Under water data collection on reef fish abundance and diversity was done by following belt transect method involving scuba diving. A total of 78 species from 24 families were recorded during the study period. Kariyachalli Island was recorded the highest density and diversity of reef fishes (64 species) among the four islands and this dominance is corroborated to the comparatively higher live coral cover (46.61%). The study reveals that habitat complexity determines the abundance and diversity of reef fishes in a reef area. Presently, anthropogenic and natural factors threaten coral reefs and protection of reef habitat is inevitable for the survival and existence of reef fishes and ultimately the livelihood of the dependant people. [Key words: Gulf of Mannar, reef fishes, visual census, corals, carnivores] Introduction between latitude 8º47’ N and 9º15’N and longitude 78º12’E and 79º14’E and the average Understanding the origination and distance of these islands from mainland is about 8 maintenance of global biodiversity is a core km. Pillai (1986)6 provided a comprehensive challenge in ecology, evolution and conservation account of coral fauna of the Gulf of Mannar and science. In the marine biome, coral reefs are the diversity includes 94 species of 37 genera with hotspots of species richness and endemism, with most common being Acropora sp., Montipora sp. the 10 richest reefs accounting for between 44 and and Porites sp. and Edward et al., (2007)7, 1 54% of restricted-range marine species . Coral updated the species list to 117 species of 40 reefs are particularly important for global genera. vertebrate diversity as they harbour the greatest species richness of fishes on earth2, with up to A fundamental principle in ecology 1000 species coexisting within a single location3. assumes abiotic and biotic variables influence the distribution of all organisms, including marine Reef fishes are an important component of marine 8,9 biodiversity and include species that provide both fishes . Abiotic variables such as temperature, top down control of reef ecosystems through salinity, depth, current, and topographic tropic cascades4 and the biomass of recreational complexity, and ecological processes including and commercial fisheries5. recruitment, competition, food availability, and predation all play roles in determining fish species 10,11 Gulf of Mannar has been known for its distribution and abundance . Coral reefs have rich biodiversity, especially for its coral reefs. declined over the course of human history, Coastal area covering 560 sq. km between culminating in the dramatic increase in coral mortality and reef degradation of the past 20-50 Rameswaram and Tuticorin including 21 islands 12 in the Gulf of Mannar were declared as Marine years . Coral reefs and associated reef fishes of National Park in 1986 by the Government of Gulf of Mannar have been damaged severely due to the rampant coral mining which was happening Tamil Nadu for the purpose of protecting marine 13 wild life and its environment. Gulf of Mannar until 2004 . Destructive fishing methods such as Marine Biosphere was declared in 1989 by the trap fishing, near-shore trawling, sedimentation Government of India, covering 10,500 sq.km and pollution are causing considerable damage to the coral reefs, threatening the reef fisheries of the areas between Rameswaram and Kanniyakumari. 14-16 Reefs in the Gulf of Mannar are developed around Gulf of Mannar . the 21 uninhabited islands which are located 1586 INDIAN J MAR SCI VOL 44, NO.10 OCTOBER 2015 The composition of local reef fish located in the central and southern parts of the communities in the Indo-Pacific region is directly island. Island has fringing reefs extending up to a dependent on habitat variability17 and thus damage depth of 3 m and the live coral cover in this island to coral reefs directly impacts the dependant has been recorded as 33.13 %7. The Island is fishery resources of an area. Decline in the facing severe erosion nowadays. abundance of coral associated fish due to coral bleaching in 1998 was reported by Kumaraguru et Koswari Island (08º51’34’’ N - 08º52’32’’N al. (2003)18. But, Studies on coral reef and 78º13’07’’ E - 78º14’07’’E) is an elongated ichthyofauna of Indian seas are mainly restricted island with a sharp corner along its northwestern to the Lakshadweep groups of islands19 and end. The island has a long, narrow and sandy observations are lacking for the other coral reefs coast with coral rubbles. It has sand dunes that ecosystems, particularly, along the southeast extent to a height of about 1 m from mean sea coast. Understanding of the diversity of reef fishes level and shrubby vegetation in the interior. The in reef ecosystem is important not only interior of the Island has a small depression which ecologically but economically also. At this gets filled with sea water during high tide. A juncture, the present study has been taken up with fringing reef is observed along this Island the intentions to assess the reef fish resources of extending up to 2.8 m in depth. Live coral cover in this Island has been recorded as 15.27 %7. Tuticorin group of islands in the Gulf of Mannar to characterize their diversity, abundance and Kariyachalli Island(08º56’54’’ N - threats. 08º57’3’’N and 78º14’46’’ E - 78º15’28’’E) is an ellipsoid shaped Island with a sharp corner at its Materials and Methods northwestern side and a small depression on its northwestern side and a small depression on its The assessment of reef fish was carried eastern side that gets inundated during high tide. out in four Tuticorin group of Islands (Vaan, The Island which is approximately 1 meter above Koswari, Kariyachalli and Vilanguchalli) of Gulf sea level has a low sandy coastline and coral of Mannar during the period between August rubbles dominate the southern coast. Fringing reefs are observed around the Island extending up to a depth of 3 m. Live coral cover in this Island has been recorded as 46.61 %7. Vilanguchalli Island (08º52’32’’ N - 08º55’54’’N and 78º15’42’’ E - 78º16’58’’E) Island is completely submerged under 1m of water. This island is surrounded by a narrow, elongated reef. Live coral cover in this Island has been recorded as 24.35 %7. Fish assessment - Visual census The belt transect method20 was used for visual survey of fishes which involves scuba diving. 50 m transects were laid for the assessment and the number of transects differed from each Island according to the size of the reef. 2011 and November 2012 (Fig. 1). Number of transects were 14, 17, 24 and 19 respectively for Vaan, Koswari, Kariyachalli and Fig. 1— Map showing Tuticorin group of 4 islands in Gulf of Vilanguchalli islands. To minimize diver impacts, Mannar each fish census commenced 15 minutes after the tape is laid out. Fishes were recorded by Vaan Island (08º49’34’’ N - 08º50’34’’N and swimming along each transect within a 50 x 10 m 78º12’09’’ E - 78º13’15’’E) has a long narrow corridor, identifying the species that are found sandy coast with coral rubbles along its south, near or at visible distance of each transect. Divers southeastern and south western coastlines. This swam slowly and randomly searching for fish island is about 1 m above mean sea level with species in a dive which lasts for 15 minutes. small sand dunes that are covered with shrubs MATHEWS et al.: UNDER WATER VISUAL CENSUS OF REEF FISHES 1587 Diversity, density and size class of the observed Koswari were having 43 species from 16 families fishes were noted in underwater slates. and 32 species from 14 families respectively. Underwater photographs were taken using Nikon Total number of fishes counted was highest in AW100 under water digital camera. Reef fish Kariyachalli Island with 7242 followed by identification was carried out using fish base Koswari Island with 3260 while it was 2252 and identification keys21 and Reef fish Identification 1525 in Vaan and Vilanguchalli islands Tropical Pacific Manual22. respectively. Densities of each species in each Island are given in the table 1. Shannon- Wiener The number of individuals belonging to diversity (H’) ranged from 1.12 (Vilanguchalli different species, families and trophic levels are island) to 1.72 (Kariyachalli Island) which is divided into trophic group using literature data23- 25 portrayed in the figure 2. Plieous’s Eveness (J’) . In order to establish spatial variation in trophic was observed with the range between 0.95 assemblages, observed species were categorised (Kariyachalli island) and 0.98 (Vilanguchalli to one of the 8 trophic levels using data from 26-28 island) illustrated as in the figure 3 and Richness previous studies described in literature and (S) ranged between 14 (Vilanguchalli island) and from fish base (fishbase.org). Following are the 6 64 (Kariyachalli island) as illustrated in figure 4. categories, herbivore, omnivore, browser of sessile invertebrates, carnivore, piscivore, and planktivore. Species diversity was statistically 2.00 assessed using the Shannon diversity index (H’) in natural log.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • MR/India INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF INITIATIVE (ICRI) General Meeting Monaco, 12-15 January 2010
    ICRI GM 24 – MR/India INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF INITIATIVE (ICRI) General Meeting Monaco, 12-15 January 2010 INDIA Member’s report on activities to ICRI Presented by Dr. B.P. Nilaratna, Joint Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, New Delhi, INDIA Reporting period January, 2008 – December, 2009 Please note that the purpose of this report is to help you share information about your activities within the ICRI community to allow discussion at the next ICRI General Meeting. The reports will be made available on the ICRIForum prior to the meeting. The ICRI secretariat is well aware of your busy schedule, thus don’t hesitate to submit an incomplete report. 1. General Information Are you an ICRI Member? YES Representation to ICRI (Country / Organization): INDIA / Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India Focal Point 1: Name: Dr. B.P. Nilaratna, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003 Organization: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India Email: [email protected] Focal point 2: -- Name: Organization: Email: Last meeting attended: Washington DC, 22-25 January 2008 How do you circulate ICRI information within Through Letters / email / fax your country and/or organization? Budget allocated for coral reef related activities Rs.6.99 crores for 2009-10 for coral (please mention for year/period): reefs, mangroves, coastal and marine biodiversity For countries only: National Action Plan / Initiative Do you have a National Coral Reef action plan? YES. The concerned States and Union Territories (UTs) submit annual management action plans for conservation and protection of corals reefs Is this plan publicly available? If so please YES.
    [Show full text]
  • Islands, Coral Reefs, Mangroves & Wetlands In
    Report of the Task Force on ISLANDS, CORAL REEFS, MANGROVES & WETLANDS IN ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS For the Eleventh Five Year Plan 2007-2012 Government of India PLANNING COMMISSION New Delhi (March, 2007) Report of the Task Force on ISLANDS, CORAL REEFS, MANGROVES & WETLANDS IN ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS For the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012) CONTENTS Constitution order for Task Force on Islands, Corals, Mangroves and Wetlands 1-6 Chapter 1: Islands 5-24 1.1 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 5-17 1.2 Lakshwadeep Islands 18-24 Chapter 2: Coral reefs 25-50 Chapter 3: Mangroves 51-73 Chapter 4: Wetlands 73-87 Chapter 5: Recommendations 86-93 Chapter 6: References 92-103 M-13033/1/2006-E&F Planning Commission (Environment & Forests Unit) Yojana Bhavan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, Dated 21st August, 2006 Subject: Constitution of the Task Force on Islands, Corals, Mangroves & Wetlands for the Environment & Forests Sector for the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007- 2012). It has been decided to set up a Task Force on Islands, corals, mangroves & wetlands for the Environment & Forests Sector for the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. The composition of the Task Force will be as under: 1. Shri J.R.B.Alfred, Director, ZSI Chairman 2. Shri Pankaj Shekhsaria, Kalpavriksh, Pune Member 3. Mr. Harry Andrews, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust , Tamil Nadu Member 4. Dr. V. Selvam, Programme Director, MSSRF, Chennai Member Terms of Reference of the Task Force will be as follows: • Review the current laws, policies, procedures and practices related to conservation and sustainable use of island, coral, mangrove and wetland ecosystems and recommend correctives.
    [Show full text]
  • Coral Reefs of India a Review on Their Status and Management
    International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2021; 9(3): 206-210 E-ISSN: 2347-5129 P-ISSN: 2394-0506 (ICV-Poland) Impact Value: 5.62 Coral reefs of India a review on their status and (GIF) Impact Factor: 0.549 IJFAS 2021; 9(3): 206-210 management © 2021 IJFAS www.fisheriesjournal.com Received: 20-03-2021 Dr. Anita Jhajhria Accepted: 25-04-2021 Dr. Anita Jhajhria DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/fish.2021.v9.i3c.2483 Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Shri Kalyan Government Girls College, Sikar, Abstract Rajasthan, India Coral reefs are one of the most ancient and dynamic ecosystems of India. Often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, coral reef ecosystems account for nearly one quarter of the total marine biodiversity, despite only covering 0.2% of the total seafloor by area. Coral reefs not only provide a sanctuary to a myriad of marine life but also play a key role in protecting the coastline from erosion. People living along the 8, 000 km long coastal stretch of India depend on coral reefs for their livelihood. India is centrally placed within the warm tropical region of the Indian Ocean and exhibits extensive coral reefs in its marine territories. Despite their immense importance, coral reefs are being damaged and destroyed due to natural and anthropogenic activities. The major reef formations in India are restricted to the Gulf of Mannar, Palk bay, Gulf of Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep 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.
    [Show full text]
  • 7. the Effects of the 2004 Tsunami on Mainland India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Dedication This book is dedicated to those people who were affected by the 26 December 2004 earthquakes and tsunamis. Their lives will have changed forever and they will all need the help and compassion that the world can provide to recover. This book is also dedicated to the International Coral Reef Initiative and partners, one of which is the Government of the United States, operating through the US Coral Reef Task Force. Of particular mention is the support to the GCRMN from the US Department of State and the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Note: The conclusions and recommendations of this book have not been specifically endorsed by, or reflect the views of, the many organisations which have supported the production of this book, both financially and with content. The research reported herein is based on early analyses of complex datasets and should not be considered definitive in all cases. Institutions or individuals interested in all consequences or applications of AIMS’ research are invited to contact the CEO at the Townsville address given below. Front Cover: Coral reef uplifted by the tsunami; Simeulue Island Sumatra; Craig Shuman, Reef Check Foundation, Los Angeles USA. Back Cover: Maximum wave heights from the 26 December 2004 tsunami, from 10 to 2 m in dark red, 1 m in green/ yellow to no waves in blue: Alessio Piatanesi, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Rome, Italy. Maps were provided by ReefBase and the World Fish Center. We especially wish to thank Teoh Shwu Jiau. The figure on page 28 in Chapter 1 is reprinted with permission from a 3 September 2005 article in New Scientist entitled ‘Tsunami waves shot along mid-ocean ridges’.
    [Show full text]
  • Legislative Arsenal in Relation to Safeguard Coral Reefs: an Indian Framework in a Changed Scenario
    International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) ISSN (Online): 2319 – 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 7714 www.ijhssi.org ||Volume 10 Issue 2 Ser. II || February 2021 || PP 14-19 Legislative Arsenal in Relation to Safeguard Coral Reefs: An Indian Framework in a Changed Scenario Dr. Sunita Arya Principal, Department of Law, Prestige Institute of Management & Research, Indore Sayali Bandi Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Prestige Institute of Management & Research, Indore ABSTRACT World’s richest biodiversity areas are found on the coastal zones and the coral reefs are prominent ones among them. Coral reefs are the most ancient and diverse eco-systems on earth. There are a few laws in the country that can be activated for the protection of coral reef areas such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (1991) issued under the broad EPA as well as the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 since all coral reef areas in India are protected areas declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The other laws that would have a bearing on coral reef areas are the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Indian Fisheries Act which is of vintage origin. The present paper focuses on the importance of coral reefs to humans, preservation of coral reefs in India, legal framework of our country in protection of coral reefs and some identified gaps in light of the crises that confront the existence of reefs in India. This study adopted descriptive methodology and is based on secondary data sourced from books, references, journals and reports of Ministry of Environment and Forests.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessing and Enhancing Legislative Provisions for Natural Resource Conservation in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu, India)
    ASSESSING AND ENHANCING LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS FOR NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN THE GULF OF MANNAR BIOSPHERE RESERVE (TAMIL NADU, INDIA) Project Team Amrtha Kasturi Rangan, CAG, Chennai Rachel Pearlin, CAG, Chennai Bharath Jairaj, CAG, Chennai Rama Lakshmi Mahadevan, CAG, Chennai Aarthi Sridhar, ATREE, Bangalore Vinaya Natarajan, ATREE, Bangalore Final Report Submitted to The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust 1 5Citation: Sridhar, A., A. Kasturi Rangan, R. Pearlin., V. Natarajan, B. Jairaj, R. Mahadevan 2007. Assessing and enhancing legislative provisions for natural resource conservation in the Gulf of Mannar. Final Report submitted to GoMBRT, Ramanathapuram (63 pages) Author Contacts Amrtha Kasturi Rangan, Rachel Pearlin, Bharath Jairaj and Rama Lakshmi Mahadevan Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) No. 9/5, 2nd Street Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar Chennai - 600020. E-mail: [email protected] Aarthi Sridhar and Vinaya Natarajan Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment No/ 659, 5th A Main, Hebbal, Bangalore 560024 E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected] Final Report: 2007 Commissioned by: Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GoMBRT) Office of the Trust Director 102/26, Jawan Bhavan (1st Floor) Kenikarai, Ramanathapuram – 623 504 Tamil Nadu Ph: 04567 226 335 Cover images: Images from the Gulf of Mannar by Rachel Pearlin and Aarthi Sridhar Disclaimer: The views and opinions contained in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organisations they belong to. 2 Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Dr. V.K. Melkani, Director of the GoMBRT (at the time of commissioning this report) & Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Clionaid Sponge Infests Live Corals on the West Coast of India (Porifera,
    Formatted ... Author Version : Systematics and Biodiversity, vol.17(2); 2019; 190-206 Formatted ... Formatted A new clionaid sponge infests live corals on the west coast of India (Porifera, ... Demospongiae, Clionaida) Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Sambhaji Mote1, Christine H.L. Schönberg2, Toufiek Samaai3,4, Vishal Gupta1, Baban Ingole*1 Formatted ... Formatted ... 1 CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, India Formatted ... 2 School of Earth and Environment and Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, the Formatted ... University of Western Australia, Fairway Entrance 4, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia Formatted ... 3 Department of Environmental Affairs, Oceans and Coasts Branch, Oceans and Coasts Research Formatted ... Chief Directorate, Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Directorate, Private Bag X2, Formatted ... Roggebaai, 8012, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Formatted ... 4Marine Research Institute (MA-RE), University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, Formatted Cape Town, South Africa ... Formatted (*Corresponding author: [email protected]) ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted ... Formatted
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Coral Reefs of India
    International Journal of Science, Environment ISSN 2278-3687 (O) and Technology, Vol. 5, No 5, 2016, 3088 – 3098 2277-663X (P) Review Article REVIEW OF CORAL REEFS OF INDIA: DISTRIBUTION, STATUS, RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT Jyoti Saroj; Ravi Kumar Gautam; Arti Joshi and Panja Tehseen College of Fisheries, Junagadh Agricultural University, Veraval-362265 E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems of India. The coral reefs not only provide a sanctuary to a myriad of marine life but also play a key role in protecting the coastline from erosion. India has around 8,000 km of coastline. The major reef formations in India are restricted to the Gulf of Mannar, Palk bay, Gulf of Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep islands. Three major reef types (atoll, fringing and barrier) occur in India. While the Lakshadweep reefs are atolls, the others are all fringing reefs. This article reviews that the status, distribution, research and management of coral reefs in India. In India coral reefs are being damaged and destroyed at an increasing rate. They face a number of worsening anthropogenic threats, including bleaching, destructive fishing practices, pollution and climate change. 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 offshore reefs in specific sites. Although institutions and laws are sufficient in theory to manage and protect the reefs in India, authorities in the field have taken little effective action in implementing these laws.
    [Show full text]
  • Review Article Current Status and Scope of Coral Reef
    Indian Journal of Geo Marine Sciences Vol.46 (04), April 2017, pp. 647-662 Review Article Current status and scope of coral reef research in India: A bio-ecological perspective Kalyan De1, K. Venkataraman2 & Baban Ingole1* 1CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India 2National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management Koodal Building, Anna University Campus Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu *[E-mail: [email protected] ] Received 02 September 2014; revised 11 November 2016 Coral reefs are staggeringly diverse and complex ecosystem. But, this tropical wonder is currently degrading at alarming rates and, facing a high risk of extinction due to several anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Despite knowing the complex and huge reefs India has, and all the benefits this country gets from its reefs; the efforts to manage and conserve appears poor. Review of research suggests that better management coupled with trained marine biologists, modern infrastructure facility and long-term funding. This review also intends to highlight the current focal area of bio-ecological research in Indian coral reefs and, discuss scopes for further study on some of the key themes on which primary research is being conducted globally. Moreover, there is a pressing need for effective communication between the scientific community and stakeholders for the strict implication of conservation practice to protect the spectacular coral reef ecosystem. [Keywords: Coral reef, India, Biodiversity, Climate change, Human impact, Conservation] Introduction Coral ecosystem plays a significant role in the radically and many reefs have gone through or in economy of several tropical and subtropical the vulnerability of phase shift phenomena4, 5. For countries and provides various services around to example, the coral coverage in the Caribbean has millions of people.
    [Show full text]
  • Hindu 15.09.2018
    Researchers dive in to restore coral ecosystems Shubashree Desikan SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 18:53 IST The group has successfully transplanted corals in the Lakshadweep region. Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on earth, and their role in maintaining marine biodiversity is of no small measure. However, it is well documented that coral systems around the world are bleaching and dying due to climate and chemical changes in the sea water. A team from National Centre for Coastal Research, Chennai, plans to work on coral monitoring and restoration in the Gulf of Mannar region. “We assess the location and coverage of corals through remote sensing, then study how the sediment affects the coral reef,” says T Shunmugaraj, who leads this project along with M V Ramanamurthy, Director, NCCR. The team will also set up an acquatech park which will help local persons rear marine ornamental fish towards a sustainable livelihood. The group has prior experience in studying corals across the country. They have successfully transplanted and nurtured corals in the Lakshadweep region. Now they are set to work in the Gulf of Mannar. Coral bleaching Corals have a symbiotic relationship with the unicellular algae dinoflagellates. An increase in sea surface temperatures leads to coral bleaching and the breaking of this relationship. This ecosystem is so sensitive that an increase of sea surface temperature by one degree can cause the corals to bleach and die. Apart from sea surface temperatures, increase in carbon dioxide levels in the sea water and a change in its chemical composition can also trigger bleaching.
    [Show full text]
  • Coral Reefs and Their Conservation — a Review
    "Science Stays True Here" Biological and Chemical Research, Volume 2015, 187-206 | Science Signpost Publishing Coral Reefs and Their Conservation — A Review Amita Saxena Fishery Resouyrce Management College of Fisheries, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263145, India. Received: December 19, 2015 / Accepted: January 20, 2015 / Published: June 25, 2015 Abstract: Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals found in marine water which is having nutrients/minerals. Most of the coral reef built from stony coral polyps in a big group of cnidaria. Polyps secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons for support and protection. It is a rainforest of sea which better grow inwarm, shallow, sunny, clear and agitated water,but in deep waters and cold waterthey also exist in small scales. Coral reefs are good for fisheries, tourism and shoreline protection. The annual global economic value of coral reefs is about US$30.1-37.5 billion. Keywords: Coral, reefs, corallum, tourism, fisheries conservation Coral Reefs of India: Coral reefs in India are being damaged and destroyed at an increasing rate underwater. The Reef condition is generally poor and declining in near shore waters areas of high population density. Relatively pristine reefs are located around uninhabited islands or barrier type reefs located away from population centers. Sedimentation, dredging and coral mining are damaging near shore reefs, while the use of explosives and bottom nets in fishing are damaging offshore reefs in specific site. Coral islands and reefs are secretory products of the few skeleton forming Cnidarians. Actually Corallum is the total coral bush and the “Corallite” is the calcareous cup within which the living elements i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • Coral Reefs in India
    CORAL REEFS IN INDIA K. Venkataraman National Biodiversity Authority Chennai - 600 041 ABSTRACT Coral reefs are one of the most ancient and dynamic ecosystems of India. The coral reefs not only provide a sanctuary to a myriad of marine life but also play a key role in protecting the coastline from erosion. In addition, people living along the 8000 km long coastal stretch of our country depend on coral reefs for their livelihood. India is centrally placed within the warm tropical region of the Indian Ocean and exhibits extensive coral reefs throughout its marine territories. In India, all the three major reef types (atoll, fringing and barrier) occur, and the region includes some of the most diverse, extensive and least disturbed reef areas of the Indian Ocean, many of which are among the least scientifically known. Pillai recorded a total of 199 species divided among 37 genera, from India, which includes both hermatypic and ahermatypic corals recorded by him from the four major coral reefs of India. The present study includes 15 families, 60 genera and 208 species of Scleractinia (only reef building, hermatypic corals) from the four major reefs of India such as Gulf of Kachchh (36 species, 20 genera), Lakshadweep (91 species, 34 genera), Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay (82 species, 27 genera), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (177 species, 57 genera). The Scleractinia corals of India have rich diversity as compared to the other reefs of the tropical world. Among the four major reef areas of India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are found to be very rich and Gulf of Kachchh is poor in species diversity.
    [Show full text]