Coral Relocation Initiative at Great Nicobar Island

Context

As part of ecological safeguards linked to the proposed international transshipment port project at Great Nicobar Island, coral colonies and giant clams from Galathea Bay are planned to be relocated to designated conservation sites to reduce environmental impacts and protect marine biodiversity.

What are Coral Ecosystems?

Coral Organisms

Corals are small marine invertebrates belonging to the Cnidaria phylum.
They consist of numerous tiny animals called polyps, usually only a few millimetres wide.
Each polyp possesses tentacles equipped with stinging cells that help capture plankton and other microscopic prey.
Thousands of genetically identical polyps live together, forming a coral colony.

Coral Reef Ecosystems

Coral reefs are underwater biological structures created by colonies of coral polyps over long periods.
Although they occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support nearly 25% of marine biodiversity.
Often referred to as the “Tropical Rainforests of the Ocean,” coral reefs have existed for approximately 450 million years.
They provide feeding, breeding, and sheltering grounds for countless marine species.

Coral-Algae Partnership

Corals maintain a mutually beneficial association with microscopic algae known as zooxanthellae.
These algae perform photosynthesis, supplying nutrients to corals and contributing to their vibrant colours.

Global Occurrence

Coral reefs are found across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, extending for over 2,000 km.

Categories of Corals

Reef-Building (Hard) Corals

Hard corals create the rigid framework of reefs.
They produce calcium carbonate skeletons called corallites, which accumulate to form reef structures.

Non-Reef-Building (Soft) Corals

Soft corals possess flexible bodies and resemble underwater plants.
Unlike hard corals, they do not construct extensive reef formations.

Reef Formation Process

Reef development begins when a coral polyp anchors itself to a submerged surface.
Through repeated budding, thousands of clones are produced.
Their interconnected skeletons gradually create a large coral colony and eventually a reef ecosystem.

Protection Status in India

Coral reefs receive the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, similar to flagship species such as tigers and elephants.

What are the Key Features of the Coral Relocation Programme?

Proposed Conservation Action

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has proposed relocating coral colonies and giant clams from Galathea Bay to safer marine habitats.

Selection of New Relocation Sites

Four suitable sites have been identified along the western coast of Great Nicobar Island.
The exercise is being conducted in compliance with:
- Environmental Clearance (EC) conditions
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations

Environmental Management Strategy

A comprehensive environmental management framework has been established before project implementation.

Oversight Committees

Three independent monitoring bodies have been constituted:

Biodiversity Conservation Committee
Environmental Pollution Monitoring Committee
Tribal Welfare and Community Affairs Committee

Species Under Conservation Monitoring

The biodiversity committee will supervise protection measures for:

Nicobar Megapode
Leatherback Turtle
Saltwater Crocodile
Nicobar Macaque
Robber Crab
Coral colonies and other endemic island bird species

How is Coral Relocation Carried Out?

Coral Translocation Process

Coral translocation involves carefully removing living coral colonies from threatened areas and re-establishing them at environmentally suitable sites.
It is used as a conservation strategy in regions affected by developmental activities or habitat degradation.

Scientific Monitoring

Continuous assessment is required to track survival, growth, and adaptation of relocated corals.

Notable Restoration Efforts

Gulf of Kachchh Project

More than 16,000 corals have been successfully relocated and restored.

Andaman Reef Restoration Initiative

Coral fragments have been transplanted onto artificial reef structures since 2017 to promote ecosystem recovery.

Sindhudurg Coral Cultivation Programme

Coral fragments were attached to concrete frames and placed on the seabed to encourage growth and reef regeneration.

Factors Determining Success

Successful relocation depends on maintaining environmental conditions similar to the original habitat, including:

Water depth
Sunlight penetration
Ocean currents
Water pressure
Temperature levels

Why are Coral Reefs Ecologically Significant?

Natural Coastal Protection

Coral reefs absorb up to 97% of wave energy, reducing the impact of cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding.

Marine Biodiversity Reservoirs

They provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for thousands of marine species.

Prevention of Coastal Erosion

Reefs function as natural barriers that protect shorelines from erosion and land degradation.

Economic Importance

Coral ecosystems generate approximately $375 billion annually through:
- Fisheries
- Tourism
- Coastal protection services

Potential Source of Medicines

Coral-derived compounds are being studied for pharmaceutical applications.
Eleutherobin, obtained from soft corals, has shown potential in cancer-related research.

Support for Climate Resilience

Healthy coral reefs enhance ecosystem stability and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities against climate-related hazards.

Source : The Indian Express