Implications for Conservation of Coral Reefs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Jeyabaskaran, R and Venkataraman, K and Alfred, J R B (2007) Implications for Conservation of Coral Reefs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. In: The Third International Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Symposium (ITMEMS3), October 16-20, 2006, Cozumel, Mexico.

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    Abstract

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprised of 306 Islands and 226 rocks covering about 948.8 km2 coral reefs and 762 km2 mangrove areas. There are 106 protected areas in these Islands, 96 designated as wildlife sanctuaries, 9 national parks and one biosphere reserve. Among the 9 national parks, 2 are marine national parks which have not yet inventoried thoroughly. There are about 6540 species of fauna, 2500 species of flora reported from these islands. About 4% of marine species are endemic. Natural and human impacts on coral reefs have been increasing in recent years. The Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004 caused severe damage to coral reefs of these Islands. About 4000 ha of North Andaman, 1211 ha of South Andaman and 3500 ha of Nicobar Island reefs were damaged due to tsunami. All corals and important associated animals are protected under Indian Wildlife Act, 1972 and Biodiversity Act, 2002. The tribal people of Nicobar Islands are exempted from the wildlife act and it cause extensive damage to coral reef associated fauna. Nowadays poaching and tourism developments are the major threats to reefs. There are 1,10,000 tourists are visiting the islands during the calm weather season from October to February. Paddy field of these Islands covers about 10,517 ha with the usage of 32 kg fertilizers per hectare. Fertilizers discharges into sea cause algal over growth on reefs. Most of the coral reefs monitoring works are restricted to South Andaman reefs only. There is an urgent need for establishment of permanent monitoring site in each reef, increase of awareness campaign, sea patrolling and strict enforcement of law. The conservation strategies for coral reefs of these Islands are discussed in the paper in detail.

    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
    Uncontrolled Keywords: Conservation of Coral Reefs; Coral Reefs; Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Subjects: Marine Ecosystems > Coral Reefs
    Divisions: CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Fishery Resources Assessment Division
    Subject Area > CMFRI > CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Fishery Resources Assessment Division
    CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Fishery Resources Assessment Division
    Subject Area > CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Fishery Resources Assessment Division
    Depositing User: Dr. V Mohan
    Date Deposited: 29 Dec 2010 10:56
    Last Modified: 09 Sep 2015 15:40
    URI: http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/id/eprint/6858

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