NATIONAL CORAL REEF RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NCRRI)

NEWS

• The Government of India has approved the establishment of the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in South Andaman with an outlay of ₹120 crore.
• NCRRI will function as India’s nodal and monitoring agency for coral reef research, conservation, restoration, and capacity-building.

HIGHLIGHTS

What are Corals?

• Corals are sessile marine organisms that remain fixed to the ocean floor.
• Each individual coral animal is called a polyp, and hundreds of such polyps form a colony.
• Corals are of two types:
  • Hard Corals – possess limestone skeletons; primary reef builders.
  • Soft Corals – lack a stony skeleton; do not form large reefs.

Significance of Coral Reefs

• Often called “Rainforests of the Sea’’, coral reefs are 450 million years old ecosystems.
• They support high biodiversity – e.g., the Great Barrier Reef hosts over 400 coral species and 1,500 fish species.
• Provide ecosystem services worth $375 billion annually, especially to coastal communities.
• Act as natural barriers against storms, absorbing up to 97% wave energy, thereby protecting coastlines from erosion.

Coral Bleaching: A Major Threat

• Triggered by abnormally high ocean temperatures.
• Corals have a symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae which provide food and colour.
• Under stress, corals expel these algae and turn white, leading to bleaching.
• Bleaching events: 1998, 2010, 2014–17, and the ongoing global event affecting 84% of reefs.

Coral Reefs in India

• India’s coastline: ~8000 km; total coral reef area: 2,375 sq km.
• Major reef regions:
  1. Gulf of Kutch
  2. Gulf of Mannar
  3. Lakshadweep Islands
  4. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Government Measures

• National Coastal Mission supports reef restoration in four major locations.
• Regulatory protection via:
  • CRZ Notification (2019)
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986