Exploring India’s Coral Reefs: A Comprehensive Analysis of Biodiversity, Threats, Conservation, Restoration, and Monitoring
摘要
Coral reefs represent some vital unique marine ecosystems globally. Apart from providing several ecologic services and food and economic benefits, coral reefs are stunning underwater scenes that offer a variety of leisure opportunities and raise the nation’s appeal to both domestic and foreign tourists. Global environmental degradation and climate change are placing enormous strain on coral reef ecosystems. The exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Indian coastal waters covers 2.02 million km2 and a coastline spanning over 8000 km. However, the reef formation is found only across the Gulf of Mannar (GoM), the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI), the Gulf of Kachchh (GoK), and the Lakshadweep Islands (LaI). Patchy reefs are reported from Ratnagiri and Malvan coasts. Coral reefs of each of these areas have a unique form or structure. The estimated area under coral reef in India is 2375 km2. The Indian Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 1991 safeguards all coral reefs in India. The CRZ1 category encompasses all coral reef habitats. Additionally, national, state, and non-governmental organizations in India have started taking steps towards artificial reef deployment, reef transplantation and restoration. This chapter discusses the state of coral reefs in India and the emerging concerns primarily based on satellite remotely sensed observations, supplemented by data from other sources. Besides, there is an attempt to deliberate on some of the management issues to preserve and restore coral reefs in India. This includes the successful application of the novel eDNA metabarcoding in coral reef restoration activities, which would support the creation of programs for fair conservation and data-driven coastal zone management.