Coral Reefs in India
Here’s an overview table summarizing information about coral reefs in India:
| Coral Reefs | Location | Key Features | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf of Mannar | Off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu | Marine biodiversity hotspot, Biosphere Reserve | Overfishing, pollution, coastal development |
| Lakshadweep | Off the southwestern coast of India | Atolls, Barrier reefs, Marine National Park | Coral bleaching, tourism impacts, pollution |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea | Rich biodiversity, Remote and pristine reefs | Coral bleaching, dynamite fishing, climate change |
| Palk Bay | Between southeastern India and Sri Lanka | Important fishing grounds, Shallow reefs | Overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction |
| Gulf of Kutch | Off the coast of Gujarat | Unique cold-water coral reefs | Industrial pollution, coastal development |
Coral Reefs in India
Coral Reef is an underwater ecosystem formed by colonies of tiny marine invertebrates called coral polyps. These polyps live in symbiosis with microscopic algae, zooxanthellae, which give them energy and vibrant colors. Coral reefs provide food and shelter to a quarter of all marine life despite covering only about 1% of the ocean area. Coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the sea because of the rich biodiversity they support.
In this article, You will get to know about Coral reefs, How they formed, the List of coral reefs found in India, their types, and much more about them.
Coral Reefs in India