CORALS

1. WHAT ARE CORALS ?
	Corals are made up of skeletons of hundreds of thousands of minute organisms called polyps that are related to and look like sea anemones. The body of a coral animals consists of a polyp - a hollow and cylindrical structure attached at its lower end to some surface. At the free end is the mouth surrounded by tentacles which gather food and are armed with nematocysts, or stinging cells that paralyse prey. Each coral secretes a tiny cup of limestone around itself as a skeleton. It has a simple nervous system called a nerve net. Contrary to popular belief, corals are living breathing organisms that are crucial to the survival of the marine life around them.
2. What is a Coral Reef ?
	While some corals live as individuals, the vast majority live in colonies called coral reefs. Coral reefs are limestone formations composed of the skeletons of dead polyps called corals. The polyps divide and as they grow form coral colonies. As the corals build up both vertically and horizontally, they gradually form a coral reef. Individual coral colonies may be upto a thousand years old. Coral reefs may be many thousands of years old, forming slowly over time, responding to changes in sea level and other environmental conditions. They are found in shallow and clear tropical marine waters. Reef building corals require warm ocean temperatures between 2-280C and shallow waters upto 100m depth. Coral reef ecosystems are amongst the most diverse in the world and rival the tropical rain forests in this respect. Thus they are not merely sea "pather" that can easily be cut away for building purposes etc, but a diverse ecosystem on whom a vast variety of marine life depends. There are three types of reefs - the Fringing Reefs, the Barrier Reef and the Atoll. Fringing Reefs border shorelines of continents and islands in tropical seas. They are common in the South Pacific Hawaiian Islands and Caribbean and in India, are found in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. The Barrier reef occurs farther offshore. They are formed when land masses sink, and fringing reefs separate from the shorelines by wide channels. They are common in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. The great Barrier Reef off northern Australia in the Indo Pacific is the largest barrier reef in the world. Fringing and Barrier reefs are found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Atolls are reefs that surround a central lagoon. They are formed when a land mass which is a small island disappears below the ocean surface and thus the reef becomes an atoll. Atolls commonly occur in the Indo- Pacific region and in India.
3. Where are Coral Reefs found in India?
	India has an estimated 18,000 square km of coral, reefs. Indian coral reefs are mainly located in six regions in the country. These are Lakshwadeep, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and most recently, the table reefs along the Ratnagiri Coast of Maharashtra.
4. Why should we care what happens to Corals ?
	Coral Reefs are not only one of the worlds most fascinating and impressive natural environments, they are also an important resource both to local people, and to human kind as a whole. But reefs are also a vital source of fish and other food to millions of people living in coastal regions throughout the tropics. Most recently, for some developing countries, coral reefs have acquired enormous value as a tourism, resource in view of the immense variety of beautiful of colourful marine life underwater.The foreign exchange earned from diving and coastal tourism potentially justifies the protection of reefs within marine parks and reserves. * Coral reefs act as a sea defence. They not only dissipate wave energy but also reduce island and beach erosion. They protect leeward habitats of economic importance, for example sea grass beds and mangrove swamps, in the Nicobar Island. A PWD worker was asked to build a coastal road which he did by blasting away the nearby coral reef and using the limestone obtained as a base material for all 35km of the road. As a result of this action, the sea has come in and taken over parts of both the beach and the road. Today lakhs of rupees are being spent on sea erosion control. Thus the economic cost of destroying coral reefs is immense. * Coral Reefs act as a provider of beaches and islands. Islands may be created by the accumulation of coral rubble. * The coral reef ecosystem is a diverse collection of species that interact with each other and the physical environment around them. There is a mutual dependence of sea animals and fish on coral reefs and vice versa. It is estimated that damage to Indian coral reefs has affected some three thousand species of marine life for whom coral reefs are their natural habitat. * Indo-Pacific reef anemones are known for their symbiotic relationship with clownish and anemone fishes. Bryozoans encrust the reef. These microscopic invertebrates form branching colonies over coral skeletons and reef debris, cementing the reef structure. The reef is home to and provides protection to many : A variety of worms such as flat worms, polychaetes and bristelworms inhabit the reef. Sea stars, sea cucumbers star lillies and sea urchins, also live on the reef. Shrimps, crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans find protection from predators in crevices or between coral branches. Octopii, squids, clams, scallops, snails and nudibranches are all molluscs that live in or near the reef. Some species of sharks, skates, and rays live in or near the reef. Some species of wrasses, comprising a large group of colourful cigar shaped fishes, are known as cleaners and set up cleaning stations along the reef. Eels living in crevices in the reef are one of the top predators, eating small fish, octupii, shrimps and crabs. Other fishes found ont eh reef include angelfishes, butterfly fishes, damselfishes, triggerfishes, sea horses, snappers, squirrelfishes, grunts, pufferfishes, groupers, barracudas and scorpion fishes. Some sea turtles also frequent reef areas. Coral Reefs are also a major source of tourist revenue. Hence it is also in the interest of the country's economy that coral reefs be preserved.
5.Why are Corals in danger ?
	Till 1992 it was estimated that human exploitation has caused the destruction of 5-10% of the worlds living reefs. 10% of the earth's coral reefs have been reduced to skeletons, another 30% are in a critical condition and a further 30% are under severe environmental stress. The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network predicts that with the effects of global warming and human impact,by 2050 the world's coral reefs will be dead. In developing countries such as India, coral reefs have suffered as a result of over populated coastal areas. * One of the foremost reasons for the destruction of coral reefs in India has been pollution of the ocean. Pollution poisons coral polyps and reduces polyps to mere skeletons. This pollution, brought about primarily by economic activities, includes oil slicks, pesticides and other chemicals, heavy metals and toxins from garbage. The Gulf of Mannar is very close to the port of Tuticorin and corals bear the brunt of activity in the harbour. * Coral Reefs are a source of material for the construction industry. Coral rock is used for building purposes in coastal India. In Lakshwadeep, which has one of the highest densities of population,islanders remove corals to build homes as it works out less expensive than transporting cement, and gravel 300km from the mainland. Extensive quarrying from the coral reefs is one of the main reasons for the destruction of the coral reefs in this island. * Fertilizer runoff and untreated sewage flowing from Indian industries, introduces added nutrients into the coastal ecosystem. These elevated nutrient levels promote algae growth and these can in turn overwhelm and smother coral polyps. Changing land use in the islands, including intensive modern agricultural practices employing pesticides, organic and inorganic fertilizers are damaging coral health. Today very few sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain in pristine condition and live corals show patchy growth in the reef area. * Deforestation has degraded not only land habitats but also marine habitats. When tropical forests are cut down to clear land for agriculture, pastures or homes, topsoil washes away via rivers, into the coastal ecosystem. Soil that settles on reefs smothers coral polyps and blocks sunlight needed for corals to live. It has been found that in the Gulf of Kutch, effluents and hinterland activities have generated a lot of mud which have adversely affected corals by suffocating them. A major part of the South East Goos reef and Pirotan reef is being eroded and destroyed as a result of silting. * Hazardous fishing methods such as fishing dynamite, cyanide or bleach have severely affected coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. Between 1986-91, half of the coral reefs in Philippines have been demolished by these and other destructive fishing methods. * Besides fish, fishermen harvest a variety of exotic seafood from the reef including conches and lobsters.Over harvesting can lead to the demise of these species.Careless handling of nets, lines and lobster traps often leads to reef damage. * International and domestic seashell and aquarium trades have put tremendous strain on coral reefs and reef inhabitants. Excessive collecting has decimated reef species and upset the balance of the reef ecosystems. India has to carefully monitor trade in these so as to ensure demand does not rise over a sustainable demand. a. Souvenir trade has increased rapidly and created an international market for coral skeletons, shells, sponges, and other reef animals. In 1990, the world demand of corals for the souvenir trade was estimated at 2,200 tonnes. Since then this figure has risen rapidly. b. Coral skeletons are sold as "live rock" which is popularly used as decoration in aquariums. c. Tropical fish trade has created a demand for reef fishes. * Careless water recreationists damage reefs. Divers and snorkelers, if not careful can injure delicate polyps. Dropped boat anchors can gouge the reef and crush corals. Reef-walking, a popular tourist activity, damages the fragile corals and other marine organisms. As India seeks to promote its coral reefs as a tourist attraction, it must ensure this is not at the cost of the coral reefs themselves. * A major reason for the demise of corals is coral bleaching. When coral lose symbiotic algae, a source of nutrition and colour, from their tissues, they appear white. This is called bleaching. Recent reports indicate that unlike previously believed, Indian reefs have not been left untouched. A study by the Society for Andaman and Nicobar Ecology (SANE) of five sites along a 40km stretch around the islands has found almost 100% bleaching in the Andaman reefs and 30- 70% in Nicobar. Major damage to the Kavaratii and Kadamat Islands in Lakshwadeep and also in the Gulf of Kutch has been reported.
6.Where are Corals and Coral Reef by-products used ?
	Indian coral reefs have a wide range of resources which are of commercial value. Exploitation of corals, coral debris and coral sands is widespread in the Gulf of Mannar and the Gulf of Kutch reefs. Thus one of the foremost uses of coral by products is in the construction industry and more specifically in the construction industry where the limestone obtained by crushing coral is used. * Ornamental shells, chanks and oysters are the basis of an important reef industry in the south of the country. * Sea fans and seaweeds are exported for decorative purposes and there is a spiny lobster fishing industry along the South East coast, notably at Tuticorin, Madras and Mandapam. * The commercial exploitation of aquarium fishes from Indian coral reefs has gained importance lately and such material are popular in a number of metropolitan cities such as Kolkatta etc.
7.How can you save Corals?
	Corals are extremely delicate and hence the best way to preserve them is not to touch them at all. Even the most minute of human activity can cause severe damage to coral reefs and hence to the marine life that is dependent on the reef. So the simplest way to save corals is by not touching them or polluting them.
8.What are Shells ?
	Shells are the skeleton of soft bodies animals called Molluscs. Unlike humans, the skeletons of mollusces grow outside their bodies. The mollusc is attached to it by muscles. As the mollusces grow, so do the shells. The shell is produced by the mollusc itself. by using certain glands which can take limestone from the water and deposit it along the inside of the shell. Thus unlike popular belief, shells are not merely inanimate objects but very much living beings. The colour of the seashells is mostly produced by special pigments, which are deposited in the uppermost calcareous layer of the shell. Several molluscs have special chromogenic glands, which can secrete, continuously or at regular intervals, coloured pigments, which stain the carbonatic ordinary white shell and thus the varied colour.
9.Where are shells found in India ?
	The most beautiful and colourful seashells can be found in warm, shallow waters, mostly near coral reefs; on the contrary white and colourless shells are typical of Arctic and deep sea moluscs. The warm waters of the Indo-Pacific province provide habitat to some of the most colourful amongst molluscs. Sea shells occur all along the coastline of the country as also the oceanic islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshwadweep. As many as 5,042 species of mollusces are found in India.
10.How are sea Shells retrieved ?
	When you walk the beaches you see numerous shells on the seashore. The shells we buy from traders do not come from the beach. Fishermen go out in the morning and nets are thrown to catch snails, whelks, etc. For separating, the animal from it's shell, it is either gouged out by a sharp knife or boiled alive.
11.What are Shells used for ?
	* Sea shells are widely used for their ornamental value. Shells such as Cowries, once polished and cleaned, are used as ornaments such as necklaces, bangles, earrings, saree clips, girdles, keychains, jewel boxes, pen holders and buttons. * Sea shells are used in display items. Nancowry and Nautilus shells, for example, are used to prepare table lamps, vases, ash trays, paper weights and so on. * They are also used to decorate bags, cushion covers and ornamental curtains. * Seal shells are also used for religious purposes. Chanks are considered sacred and for this reason are in great demand.
12.Where are the main trading centres in the Sea Shell trade ?
	The main trading centres for shells are around the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay, the coastal towns of Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, Port Blair in Andamans, Puri in Orissa, Gulf of Kutch, Visakhapatanam and Kakinada Bay in Andhra Pradesh. As mentioned before, trade in shells flourishes in areas around pilgrimage centres where they are sold as curios. Kolkata is one of the main centres in the trade of Indian shells, where value added shell products are prepared for domestic trading and even exported. Cuttle fish fillets and squid rings are exported from Gujarat, mainly from Veraval. The main outlet for most of the shell exports is Mumbai. Generally most of the shells collected are exported. The value of the shell trade in areas such as the Gulf of Mannar can be almost Rs. 80-90 lakhs. Some of the most widely exported Indian sea shells are * Chicoreus remosus * Turbinella pyrum * Cassis sp. Tirespuram near Tuticorin has more than 2000 fishermen engaged in shell fishing while another 300 act as middlemen in the sea shell trade. Other areas where trade in Indian sea shells on a large scale include Keelakari, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. Whether it is in the form of small scale shop owners, platform sellers or large gift shops, trade in sea shells is rampant. Sea shells are imported from all over the world. African chanks are imported from South Africa, cowries from the Philipines and money chanks from the Maldives.
13.Why are Sea Shells so important to us ?
	* Molluscs play a very important role in the marine food web. Hence they are imperative for the survival of marine life by acting as filter feeders. * They are partners in the reef building process and contribute to the calcium budget. This is because they draw a small amount of calcium from the ecosystem and release it back on disintegration. * Shells on disintegration also contribute to dementation and organic and inorganic detritus.
14.What are the Endangered Species in India?
	* Turban Shell or Green Snail (Turbo marmoratus Linnaeus) * Indian Sacred chank (Turbinella pyrum fusus) * Giant clam shells (Tridacna maxima, Tridacna squamosa, Tridacna crocea) * Horse's Hoof Clam (Hippopus hippopus) * Pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) * All species of Cowries * Conus Bengalenis * Conus milne-edwardsi * Lambis scorpius or Scorpion sea shells * Murex palmarosae or Rose Branch Murex * Tudicla spiralis .
15. WHAT ARE THE LAWS REGARDING TRADE IN CORALS AND SEA SHELLS ?
	Many people are unaware about the laws regarding trade and usage of corals and hence the first and foremost way you can help is by being aware of the laws. * CITES or the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species, to which India is a signatory has listed a number of species of corals in Appendix II of the Convention. These include Antipatharia (Black or Thorny Corals), Tubiporidae Organ Pipe corals), Scleractinia (Reef building corals), Milleporina (Fire Corals), Stolonifera (Organ Pipe Corals), Stylasterina (Lace Corals). As per Appendix II export of these species of corals requires prior and grant of permission of an export permit which can only be given if it is found that export is not detrimental to the survival of the species and that a management authority of the State is convinced that it has not been obtained in contravention of the law of the state. Furthermore the state must be convinced that the species is prepared and shipped in a manner so as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. * As per the provisions of the India Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the definition of wildlife is "any animal, bees, butterflies, crustacean, fish and moths; and aquatic or land vegetation which forms a part of any habitat". These are 'Government Property' and are thus protected from being harmed or exploited. In a recent notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on 11th July, 2001, five species of Indian corals were added to Schedule I which lists those wild animals which cannot be hunted by persons. These are 1. Reef building Coral (All Scleractinians) 2. Black Coral (All Antipatharians) 3. Organ Pipe Coral (Tubipora musica) 4. Fire Coral (All Milipora Species 5. Sea Fan (All Gorgonians) . * The Import-Export Policy of April 1997 March 2002, prohibits the "export of all forms of wild animals including their parts and products including handicrafts made thereof". Import of corals can take place only if the species of coral is not prohibited under CITES. Export of corals is strictly prohibited. Shells can be imported only if not named in Appendix II of CITES. Furthermore export of sea shells excluding polished sea shells and handicrafts made out of sea shells, is heavily restricted. They can be exported only under license. The followig shells have been banned from export. * Trochus niloticus * Turbo species * Tridacna gigas * Xancus pyrum or chark * The Coastal Regulation Zone Act of 1991, explicitly outlaws coral degradation. Dredging and underwater blasting in and around coral formations is prohibited. Corals cannot be used for construction or other such purpose. * Collection and destruction of corals in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is banned under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Fisheries Regulation read with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Shell Fishing Rules, 1978. There are very comprehensive. This law regulates the collection of shells. Nine fishing zones have been demarcated for shell fishing and a closed season introduced so as to reduce pressure of exploitation. * The Environmental Protection Act,1986 too prohibits the use of corals and sands from the beaches and coastal waters for construction or any other purpose. * The best way to block trade in corals is to block the buyers. If there is no demand for corals then it follows that there would be no profit in providing them. Try and create awareness in your locality. Go door to door and talk to people, educate those around you about the actual costs of the trade in shells and corals. * Pearl fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar and sacred chank fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Kutch are regulated by the Department of Fisheries of concerned state Governments. * There are size restictions for the shells of sacred chank, (Tutbinella Puram), Top Shell (Trochus niloticus) & Turban Shell (Turbo Marmoratus). * If you go to someone else's house and find shells on display or coral reef parts in an aquarium, talk to them. You will find that most people keep corals because they believe them to be inanimate objects from the sea and probably just by telling them that to sell them fishermen hack or tear out these helpless creatures and dry them on land you can stop them from buying coral. Without a market, their exploitation will end. * You can launch awareness programmes in your school or college. Go to some of the regular tourist shops, religious centres, resorts, hotels etc to discourage them from buying corals. * You can even try to convert your shoreline into a protected area. This you can do if you feel that certain endemic and/or rare species are found in these waters. Then ask your local Zoological Survey of India office or any other research organisation like the Bombay Natural History Society to document the richness of your particular area. If your suspicions are correct and there are certain endemic and/or rare species exist then you can approach the Additional IG of Wildlife with the reports and request him to declare such an area as protected, preferably in the form of a marine national park. * If you are living in a coastal area where corals are found and you notice any underwater dredging or blasting go to the local police ask them to check that this activity is not harming the nearby marine life. Remember you are fully within your rights to do so.
16.So who do you report violations to ?
	Your local wildlife warden can be informed so that he/she can take appropriate action as per CITEs or the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. You can also report violations to * The Director TRAFFIC WWF-India 172-B, Lodi Estate New Delhi - 110003 Phone : 4698578 * People for Animals, A4, Maharani Bagh New Delhi .
17.Coral FAQS
	Q. Why are corals used so frequently in aquariums? A. Corals sustain a high yield of food for fish and are also a biofilter in the water. Thus they are commonly used in aquariums. Q. Can't coral reefs grow back once a piece is removed? A. Yes, but the rate at which corals regenerate is exceedingly slow, as little as one centimeter a year. So individual coral colonies may be upto a thousand years old while coral reefs may take many thousands of years to form. The rate at which coral reefs are being destroyed today is far greater than its regenerative capabilities. Q. What do corals eat? A. Corals eat zooplankton or tiny drifting animals or small fishes; others consume organic debris Q. What are some of the common corals used in trade? A. Amongst the most important species is Acropora sp. Other corals whose use is widespread include brain corals while Meandrina sp is used in marine aquariums and showcase displays. Q. Do corals move? A. Most corals do not move, only one coral namely, the mushroom coral moves for short distances, since it is solitary and not colonial. Q. How many species of corals are found in India? A. As many as 206 species of corals are found in India . Q. Why are coral reefs not found along the east and west coast of the country? A. Corals cannot withstand low salinity and high sediment load. Most major rivers such as the Ganga flowing into the sea on the east coast carries a lot of sediments which prevent the growth of corals. Also the fresh water flowing into the sea reduces salinity to less than half the normal level. Thus corals do not grow along the East and Central West coasts of the country. Q. Why should boats keep away from coral reefs? A. A major cause of destruction to corals comes from boats who carelessly drop anchor. The anchor often injures the coral.
18. Shell FAQS
	Q. If the animals are already dead, what is the use of confiscating shells? A. Even though the animal is dead, shells still have their uses. When the shells are thrown back in the ocean, the shells on disintegration add to the carbon content. So shells are still important. Q. Is it possible to tell the difference between shells that have been collected empty on the shore and those that have come directly from the sea? A. It is impossible to tell the difference between shells that have been collected empty on the shore and those that have come directly from the sea. This is the primary reason why it is so difficult to control trade in sea shells. Q. Are there any sea shells that are harmful to humans? A. One species of shells which are harmful to humans are cones. All cones possess a harpoon type radula which can inject venom. Thus extreme caution has to be exercised while touching shells.