Question

Which of the following are the four major coral reef regions of India meant for intensive
conservation and management?
i) Gulf of Mannar
ii) Lakshadweep Islands
iii) Gulf of Kutch
iv) Gulf of Khambhat
v) Andaman and Nicobar islands
A. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
B. (i), (ii), (iv) and (v) only
C. (i), (ii), (iii) and (v) only
D. (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) only

Answer 1

Coral reefs is the diverse marine ecosystem which supports the flora and fauna in the sea. There are mainly four coral reef areas found in India.

Complete answer:
Coral reefs are the rainforest of the sea. It is found within the tropical and subtropical water with diversity of around 15 to 25 meters below the surface. Reefs is a barrier across waves which decreases erosion and gives habitat, food and shelter to marine species as well as a breeding and nursery environment to fishes and invertebrates. These coral reefs along with living resources are decreasing day by day due to human activities and natural impacts like cyclones, climate change etc. For the conservation and management of these ecosystems an Indian Coral Reef Monitoring network is formed by the National Committee of Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral reefs.
In India: The mainland coast of India has two different areas containing reefs.
Gulf of Mannar: It is situated in the Southeast coast. The coral reefs of Gulf of Mannar are formed around the 20 islands situated in between Rameswaram and Tuticorin. The covering area is around 75.92km$^2$. It is exploited a lot due to the lime industry and discharge of waste which deteriorate the water quality. The fringing in this area is all surrounded by algae and sea grasses.
Andaman and Nicobar: It is one of the complex reefs in the world with an area of 1020km$^2$. It is situated in the Bay of Bengal. Formation of corals are in the form of irregular, fringing reefs. It is one
of the richest island with 270 species. Conservation and management is implemented due to coral
diseases, pollution which affect the natural habitat
Lakshadweep islands: is in the Arabian Sea containing 36 tiny islands. The reefs are of atoll type with
undisturbed island which is ringed in nature. It is very important to conserve the atoll island to
save the ecosystem.
Gulf of Kutch: It is located in Gujarat with an area of 352.50km$^2$. The reefs in the Gulf of
Kutch are in degrading conditions with sand, mud so conservation and management of natural
habitat is important.
Gulf of Khambhat: is located in Gujarat which is known for Harappan crafts, kites and oil and gas
sources.
Therefore the correct answer is C.

Note:
Coral reefs belong to the family Cnidarian which includes jellyfishes, anemones. Coral produces
rigid carbonate exoskeleton which protects the coral. There are many threats to coral reefs like
pollution, bleaching, tourism and tidal waves, algal bloom and coral disease which deteriorate the
habit and the organism living there.