Coral reefs in India - status, threats and conservation measures

摘要

Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds provide food security and livelihood options for hundreds of millions of people in tropical countries. An increased demand from growing coastal populations, often in combination with unsustainable management practices, causes a continuous degradation of these coastal habitats, which adversely affect fisheries, tourism, biodiversity and the coastline stability in many regions. Worldwide, coral reefs are under pressure from destructive fishing, coral mining, coastal development, uncontrolled reef tourism, and climate change induced sea surface temperature rise and ocean acidification. In India, the major coral reef areas are located in Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kachchh, Andaman & Nicobar- and Lakshadweep Islands and they are all managed through the Forest Department. This book was prepared to share data, stimulate further research and capacity building, and to contribute much needed information for enhanced reef management. The book consists of 26 scientific articles presented in four chapters.