These sites would include Coral colonies and giant clams that will be impacted due to transhipment port proposed at Galathea under Great Nicobar Island (GNI) mega project.
- Along with this, ZSI will maintain systematic data on translocated colonies with GPS tags to monitor their survival.
- Obtain necessary approval under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 before handling any Schedule-I species (coral colonies and Giant Clams).
About Coral Translocation
- Meaning: Physical relocation of coral from site of inhospitable conditions to an area where it is more likely to thrive to improve reef quality, biodiversity and topographic complexity.
- Previously, India’s Coral Translocation project in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat was the first of its kind attempt to transplant and restore coral in turbid environment.
About Corals
- Invertebrates that belong to a large group of animals called Cnidaria.
- Each individual coral is made of polyp and obtain their colour from microscopic algae, called zooxanthellae. (Both having symbiotic relationship between them).
- Significance: Ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas from storms, provide a source of income, etc.
- Key Conditions for Corals thrive:
- Warm water temperatures between 23°C and 29°C.
- Sunlight penetration, essential for symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in coral tissues.
- Clear, shallow waters, generally less than 50 meters deep.
- Threats to Corals: Changes in ocean temperature and acidification, with local pressures like pollution, overfishing and declining water quality, etc.
