On the Brink extinction 3: Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs

BEST SEEN AT: Lakshadweep Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
STATUS: Endangered

UNDERWATER RAINFORESTS. Just one percent of the oceans, coral reefs shelter about 25 percent of marine life: tropical fish, sponges, jellyfish, sea turtles, seaweeds — and are even visited by dolphins.

Their diversity supports coastal communities, and healthy reefs are our first line of defence against tsunamis. Several anti-cancer drugs are derived from reef species. But this hasn’t stopped us — onethird of all coral species face extinction; 10 percent of the world’s reefs are damaged beyond repair; and 30 percent are in critical condition. In India, the Gulf of Mannar has the most diverse reefs, but the Sethusamudram project could be its death. Development, sewage spills, insensitive tourism, overfishing and mining are other threats, but global warming is the killer. Rising temperatures and solar radiation lead to coral bleaching and disease, as seen in Lakshadweep, in 1998. And, of course, there are the aquariums. Post- Finding Nemo, demand for clownfish shot up: its impact felt in the depths of the seas.

PRERNA SINGH BINDRA