Saturday 24 March 2012

Gujarat gets a coral transplant

Mar 24, 2012

RAJKOT: In a first in the country, fragments of locally-extinct corals (acropora sp) have been successfully moved from Agatti islands in Lakshadweep and transplanted in coastal waters of Gujarat.

A joint initiative of Marine National Park (MNP), Jamnagar, Gujarat forest department, Wildlife Trust of India and supported by Tata Chemicals, it is believed to be a pioneering experiment in restoration of coral reefs - also known as rainforests of the seas - in Mithapur reef in Arabian sea and Poshitra reef of MNP in Gulf of Kutch,.

"MNP has a good coral diversity with about 49 species. Acropora sp was found here once upon a time. Now only dead remnants are found in most of the inter-tidal zone of the park. The restored corals will be monitored closely," R D Kamboj, chief conservator of forests, MNP, told TOI.

In a nutshell, the reintroduction involved collecting fragments from Lakshadweep, transporting them to Gujarat and transplanting them in Mithapur and Laku reefs of Marine National Park. "The actual process is anything but simple," said Subburaman S, Field Officer, WTI.

Experts say there is an overall decline in the distribution of acropora in Gujarat - live acropora have not been sighted here for several decades now. "Success of this effort will begin a new era in conservation of marine bio-diversity," said Pradeep Khanna, principal chief conservator of forests, Gujarat.

Reefs play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from ocean currents and are marine ecosystems support rich and colourful array of aquatic flora and fauna. "Human activities are causing damage to this ecosystem too and ignoring it we risk losing this natural heritage," said Satish K Goyal, chief wildlife warden, Gujarat.

No comments:

Post a Comment