General Knowledge - Basic General Knowledge - Discussion

Coral reefs in India are fascinating ecosystems that support a rich diversity of marine life.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, host exclusively fringing reefs across approximately 572 islands. The biodiversity here is impressive, making it a haven for underwater enthusiasts and researchers.

Gulf of Mannar: Along the southeastern coast, the Gulf of Mannar boasts fringing reefs. This area includes a chain of 21 islands stretching from Rameswaram in the north to Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in the south. Notably, this region forms part of the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve.

Gulf of Kutch: In the northwest, the Gulf of Kutch features exclusively fringing reefs. However, these reefs are relatively less developed due to a wide range of temperatures and high salinity. The entire Gulf of Kutch is also known as a Marine National Park.

Lakshadweep Islands: These islands are exclusively coral atolls, with 36 islands (10 of which are inhabited). Their lengths typically range from less than 1 km to about 9 km and don’t exceed 2 km in width. Lakshadweep’s atolls are a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

Eastern Coast (Odisha): There's a coral reef near the Chandrabhaga coast and Ramachandi in the Konark area of Odisha. While not as well-known as some other locations, it’s still a vital part of India’s marine ecosystem.

The most recent scientific ecological survey of the islands has been conducted by Rodrigues (1996). This is based on transect studies conducted in the Lagoons in 1993,1994 and 1995. He reports that corals on the reef flats and lagoons of uninhabited islands was diverse and dense however in most inhabited islands their status can be classified as endangered.

Qualitative observations of Andreas who runs a dive school in Bangaram and has been diving off Bangaram, Agatti and Perumal Par for the last nine years, is that the corals are growing and that he had observed some damage due to Acathanster plancii attack in a portion of the reef five years ago and that today it is one of his favorite dive locations. The fact that the same diving tourist have made even up to four return visits to Bangaram in the past decade also speaks for itself.

Qualitative observations of two dive instructors at Kadmat is that diving is quite fantastic. They however have also observed Acathanster plancii in the dive area and in April 1997 removed two hundred in a matter of twenty minutes of diving time.

There is a unanimous feeling that one had to take proper controls for sewage disposal. The contamination from fecal matter and kitchen waste in the lagoons alone can take its toll of the coral reef.

Fathometer surveys determine water depths by repeatedly transmitting seismic energy through the water column and recording the arrival time of the reflected energy from the water bottom. The instrument calculates the water depth from these data and prints a depth value as a continuous graphic profile. Most fathometers use a narrow bandwidth 200 kHz seismic signal. They provide accurate depth information, but very little information about the subbottom. Fathometers that use a lower frequency, e.g., 20 kHz, can detect reflections from sub bottom interfaces such as the bottom of an infilled scour hole.

Coral reefs of Lakshadweep Major oceanic reefs in India are confined to Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Lakshadweep islands are the only atolls in the Indian waters (Chandramohan 1993).

According to Jagtap (1987) the corals in these islands are mainly confined to intertidal, fore reef flats and slope up to the depth of 35 m. Due to their oceanic location, thin population in the islands and the less transport facilities to the islands or between them, the reefs in few areas remain pristine with little human impact.

Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Corals are colonies of tiny living animals found in marine waters containing few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, and are formed by polyps that live together in groups. The polyps secrete a hard carbonate exoskeleton which provides support and protection for the body of each polyp. Reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters.

Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients.

Coral reef are aragonite sturcture produce by living animal colonies, found in marine water containing few nutrients. In most healthy reefs, stony corals are predominant.

Thanks to all for giving important information. It is very useful.

Thank for the giving information to all of the above persons.

Are coral reefs found only in Rameshwaram in India?