India’s First Large-Scale Ocean Floor Cleanup in Sindhudurg

Threats to Corals from Marine Debris

• Physical Damage to Corals: Ghost nets and other debris can entangle coral structures, causing them to break under the weight or movement of the nets.
• Blockage of Sunlight: Plastic debris reduces the amount of sunlight available to corals, which is essential for photosynthesis by symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that corals rely on for energy.
• Chemical Leaching: Plastics and other synthetic materials release harmful chemicals into the water, which disrupt coral growth and reproduction.
• Spread of Diseases: Debris acts as a vector for pathogens, increasing the risk of diseases such as coral bleaching and tissue loss syndromes.
• Reduction in Biodiversity: Damage to coral reefs impacts the entire ecosystem, reducing the habitat available for diverse marine organisms.

About Corals

• Corals are calcareous rock-like structures formed from the skeletons of tiny, jelly-like animals called coral polyps.
• Also known as the “rainforests of the sea”- home to more than 25% of all marine life.
• Listed under Schedule -I under Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Major coral areas of India: Andaman islands & Nicobar islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Lakshadweep and Gulf of Kachchh, Malvan (Maharashtra), Netrani Island (Karnataka).
• Ideal conditions for Coral Growth:
  • Tropical waters-between 30°N and 30°S latitudes.
  • Ideal Depth: 45 m to 55 m below sea surface, where there is abundant sunlight available.
  • Temperature: around 20°C.
  • Moderate to low levels of salinity (30–40 parts per 1000) and free from sediments

Other Technologies for Coral Reef Conservation

• Biorock Technology: Involves deploying electrically charged structures to promote coral growth and strengthen existing coral reefs.
• Cryomesh Technology: Involves cryogenically freezing and storing corals, which later can be reintroduced to the wild.

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