The coral reefs surrounding India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the Gulf of Kutch, often referred to as the “underwater rainforests,” are under unprecedented threat. These vibrant ecosystems, home to over 25% of marine life, are crucial not just for biodiversity but for coastal communities that rely on them for food, income, and protection from storms. However, with rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, overfishing, and pollution, the survival of these reefs hangs by a thread.
The State of India’s Coral Reefs
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands boast over 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, hosting species such as staghorn coral, brain coral, and table coral. Yet, a 2022 study by the Wildlife Institute of India reported that more than 50% of the reefs in the region have experienced bleaching due to rising sea surface temperatures. The 2016 El Niño event, which raised global sea temperatures, caused extensive bleaching, with recovery still incomplete.
Lakshadweep
The coral atolls of Lakshadweep are vital for the islands’ survival, acting as natural barriers against erosion and storm surges. However, the reefs are highly vulnerable. Research by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) revealed that 90% of coral species in Lakshadweep are at risk due to thermal stress. A 2019 survey estimated that coral cover had declined by 20-25% over the last decade, driven by overfishing and climate change.
Gulf of Kutch
Unlike the tropical reefs of Andaman and Lakshadweep, the reefs in the Gulf of Kutch are unique fringing reefs adapted to high salinity and turbidity. Despite their resilience, they are not immune to damage. Industrial pollution from oil refineries and thermal power plants in the region has led to a 30% reduction in live coral cover since 2000, according to the Gujarat Ecology Commission.
What’s at Stake?
India’s coral reefs support over 5 million people who depend on them for fishing, tourism, and coastal protection. The coral reefs of Andaman and Nicobar alone attract nearly 2 million tourists annually, generating an estimated ₹1,200 crore in revenue. Additionally, reefs provide crucial ecosystem services, including fisheries that contribute to ₹15,000 crore to the national economy annually. Without immediate intervention, the degradation of coral reefs threatens not only marine biodiversity but also the livelihoods and safety of millions of Indians.
Restoration Efforts: A Beacon of Hope
Coral Nurseries and Reef-Building Initiatives
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, organizations like the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have established coral nurseries to cultivate and transplant heat-resistant coral species. The ReefWatch Marine Conservation initiative, led by local divers and scientists, has successfully transplanted over 2,000 coral fragments since 2020, with a survival rate of 60-70%.
Lakshadweep’s reef restoration projects, supported by the NCSCM, focus on “assisted recovery” using coral frames and artificial structures. A pilot project near Agatti Island in 2021 demonstrated encouraging results, with live coral cover increasing by 15% in just two years.
In the Gulf of Kutch, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Gujarat Ecology Commission have collaborated to restore degraded reefs using bio-rock technology. This technique accelerates coral growth by passing low-voltage electricity through submerged structures. Since its inception in 2018, the project has restored over 5 hectares of reef area.
Community-Driven Conservation
Coastal communities play a pivotal role in reef conservation. In Lakshadweep, fisherfolk have adopted traditional no-fishing zones during coral spawning seasons, an initiative that has helped revive fish populations and reduce pressure on reefs.
In the Andaman Islands, local dive operators have joined hands with NGOs to promote “eco-tourism” by training divers to monitor reef health and remove marine debris.
In the Gulf of Kutch, artisanal fishers, in collaboration with the WII, have shifted to sustainable fishing practices, including the use of smaller nets to avoid harming juvenile fish and coral.
Connecting to Global Climate Commitments
India has been vocal about its commitment to marine biodiversity conservation in international forums. At the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, India reiterated its pledge to achieve 30% protection of marine and coastal areas by 2030, in line with the Global Biodiversity Framework. Additionally, under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, India has allocated ₹400 crore for marine ecosystem restoration, including coral reefs.
The government has also partnered with the Global Coral Reef Fund to implement early warning systems for bleaching events and fund research on coral genetics to develop more resilient species.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While restoration efforts are promising, challenges remain. Funding is insufficient, with an estimated ₹2,000 crore needed annually to scale up conservation efforts across India’s reefs. Additionally, a lack of public awareness and coordination between agencies hinders progress.
Experts recommend prioritizing:
1. Climate Adaptation Research: Developing heat-resistant coral strains and scaling bio-rock technology.
2. Strict Enforcement: Strengthening laws to prevent illegal fishing and industrial pollution near reefs.
3. Community Involvement: Expanding livelihood programs for coastal communities that align with reef conservation.
4. Education Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of coral reefs through school curricula and media campaigns.
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