India is the fourth largest country interns of biodiversity, with more than 21,ooo species. India also has some coral reefs in places such as the Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep, and more.
Corals are the rainforests of the sea. About 2-3 million aquatic species depend on corals for life. If these are lost, we will lose all these dependent species too.
Causes Of Loss Of Reefs
- Coral Bleaching: The irregular heating of the Pacific Ocean has caused bleaching. In 2016 in Andaman Nicobar islands about 23% of reefs were lost. Bleaching is also caused when extreme water conditions are present.
- Dynamite bombing, poisoning, or fishing
- Water pollution
- Sedimentation
- Careless tourism
- Coral mining
- Climate change
- Overfishing
If the coral reefs are completely lost, then fish species will become extinct too. Biodiversity of the marine ecosystem will be lost.
How Can We Reduce Coral Damage?
- Reduces environmental pollution
- Stop the development such as the construction of factories in seashores.
- Don’t use products that are made up of corals or that cause damage to corals.
- Whenever we dive inside never touch the coral.
- Create awareness among people
Though the corals are healing and scientists have found out that corals can be cultured, that doesn’t mean we have to sit quietly. In these years no proper measure has been taken by the government, it is up to us to take some measures. Around 70% of corals are lost and it is estimated that we will lose our corals by 2100.
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