Marine Biology (2+1)

Distribution of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs occur throughout the tropical region, on either side of the equator where conditions favour their growth. The coral reefs of the central Indo-Pacific and the Caribbean hold the greatest diversity of marine life. The most diverse region of the world for coral reefs is centered on the Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, with between 500 - 600 species of corals. Large portions of world’s coral reefs occur within the Indian Ocean.

India has four major reef ecosystems, having all three reef types, atoll, fringing and barrier. The total area of coral reef in India is estimated to be about 2,375 km² which is less than 1 % of all the coral reef areas in the world. The mainland coast of India has two widely separated areas containing reefs, the Gulf of Kachcch is located in the northwest (Gujarat state) and the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar are located in the southeast (Tamilnadu state). The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in Bay of Bengal have fringing reefs around many islands, and a long barrier reef (329 km) on the west coast. The Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea also has extensive reefs especially atolls.