Vol. 10, Issue 6, Part C (2025)

Author(s): Anaparthi Praneeth, Nanjala Veerabhadra Rao, Jogiparthi Venkata Sai and Mandli Veena

Abstract: Coral reefs are vibrant marine ecosystems formed by coral polyps, which produce calcium carbonate to build their structures, typically found in warm, shallow tropical waters. Although they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support approximately 25% of all marine species. Reefs offer essential ecological benefits such as food security, coastal protection and income from fisheries and tourism. Major reefs include Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and India’s Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep. Corals thrive in clear, warm waters (23-29°C), stable salinity and shallow depths. They are categorized as fringing reefs, barrier reefs, atolls and patch reefs. India’s key coral regions include the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. However, reefs are threatened by climate change, pollution, overfishing and unsustainable tourism, causing coral bleaching and biodiversity loss. Effective protection requires integrated, science-based and community-based conservation initiatives to safeguard the continued existence of these crucial ecosystems.