COUNTRY REPORT ON STATUS OF CORAL REEFS INDIA IN ICRI GENERAL MEETING 25 th -27 th APRIL, 2005 MAHE, SEYCHELLES

The coastline of over 7500 km and sub-tropical climatic conditions characterized by distributed, and limited sites of coral reefs along the East and West Coast. Total coral reef area in India approximately 2375 sq. kms., maximal areas being in Anadman and Nicobar Islands followed by Lakshadweep, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. All the three major reef type, viz. Atoll, Fringing and Barrier occur in India. Contd/- CORAL REEFS IN INDIA

Some of the most diverse, extensive, least disturbed, and least scientifically known reef areas found in the region. The most northerly reefs in the world are in Gulf of Kutch in the North West of the country. A&N Islands have fringing reefs around many islands. Contd/-

CORAL REEFS IN INDIA Lakshadweep on the Western coast of the country has extensive reefs. 199 coral species divided among 71 genera recorded from India; a recent UNDP-GEF under water study by ZSI reported 235 species of corals, with an indication of its increase upto 400 species. Among the coral reef-associated fauna are Sponges, Crustacea, Mollusca, Echinoderms, and a whole range of fishes, and marine mammals and reptiles including turtles and dugongs.

` The direct and indirect uses comprise : 25% of the total fish catch, and 75% of the animal protein from reefs. Minimization of erosion and coastal hazards. Educational and Scientific Value, representing a complex food web, and trophic organisation. Havens for biodiversity. Reservoirs of genetic resources. Providers of pharmaceutical and medicinal compounds from their associated organisms like sea cucumbers, sponges, gorgonians, and star fishes. Symbols of heritage. VALUE OF CORAL REEFS IN INDIA

Threats Natural stresses  Storms, waves, cyclones, tsunamic occurrences. Biotic Stresses  Sedimentation  Chemical and Oil Pollution  Bleaching  Coral Diseases  Destructive fishing practices like blast fishing and trap fishing.

Coral Reefs Conservation and Management Strategy Recognising that of the 33 known phyla of the world’s biota, 32 are marine, and 15 of them exclusively so, India follows a package of Regulatory and Promotional measures for conservation and management of coral reefs.

Regulatory Measures Legislative/Regulatory Instruments -The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 : All Reef-building, Black, Organpipe, Fire and Sea Fan Corals put in Schedule-I of the Act (Prohibited from exploitation) -Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 : Section 5 of the Act delegates powers to State Governments, and UTs for taking punitive action. -Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 : Places corals, coral reefs, and marine parks in Coastal Regulation Zone- I(i), i.e, ecologically sensitive, and important areas. Constitutes National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) at the Centre, and 13 CZMAs at States/Union Territories. - Formulation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP) by Coastal States.

Regulatory Measures -All major projects within coastal zone require CRZ clearance on the same lines as environmental clearance. Concept of continuous monitoring of the reef environment introduced in the recently cleared harbours projects in Lakshadweep. -Active judicial system – Supreme Court’s Order in April, 1996 in WP 664 of 1993 led to formulation of ICZMPs. Establishment of Marine National Parks (MNPs) - Six MNPs viz. Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Bhitarkanika, Mahatma Gandhi Wandoor National Park, Rani Jhansi MNP, and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary declared as MNPs, the largest being the Gulf of Mannar having 10,500 sq. kms.

Promotional Measures The promotional measures comprise – -Central Government assistance for bio-physical, and socio- economic survey and monitoring, surveillance, alternative livelihoods, prevention of pollution, restoration, and spread of education, and awareness. -Infrastructure creation e.g. National Coral Reef Research Station, and Lakshadweep Coral Reef Monitoring Network. -Capacity Building viz. imparting training in snorkeling, and SCUBA-diving; about 60 personnel given training. - -Support given for Research – the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Centre and Marine and Coastal Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University, National Institute of Oceanography; Goa, Wildlife Institute of India, among various Institutions engaged in coral reef research.

Regional and Inter-National Ties India is a signatory to various Conventions / Agreements : -Convention on Bio-diversity and its Bio-safety Protocol. -Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES) -United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol. -Jakarta mandate on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity.

Designation of Ministry of Environment & Forests as National Focal Point -Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) -International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) -Coral Reef Degradation in Indian Ocean (CORDIO) -United Nations Environment Programme on Conservation, and Management of Coral Reefs. -Regional Seas Programme. -SACEP