Coral Reefs-
Corals are marine invertebrates or animals not possessing a spine.
Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grows when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
Corals share a symbiotic relationship with single-celled algae called zooxanthellae.
The zooxanthellae also give corals their bright colour.
The algae provides the coral with food and nutrients, which they make through photosynthesis, using the sun’s light.
In turn, the corals give the algae a home and key nutrients.
Significance:
Supports Marine Biodiversity: Coral reefs support over 25% of marine biodiversity, including fish, turtles and lobsters; even as they only take up 1% of the seafloor.
Fishing Industry:
The marine life supported by reefs further fuels global fishing industries.
Even giant clams and whales depend on the reefs to live
Protection from Storm: Coral reefs also provide protection from storm waves.
Artificial Reefs -
An artificial reef is a human-made underwater structure that substitutes as a natural reef to form a habitat for marine life.
Artificial reefs are placed in areas where there is little bottom topography or near coral reefs to attract marine populations.
The artificial reef resembles the structure of the natural reefs. The materials used were ceramic, an inert material similar to the calcium carbonate.
Artificial reefs serve to protect coral reefs from human-induced damages as well as supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Significance of Artificial Reefs
It will help restore the marine environment and boost coastal fish production.
It will discourage bottom trawling in the near shore areas, helping the small-scale fishers get a higher catch.
It will reduce wave damage on coasts and act as a carbon sink.
It will provide a firm substrate for marine life such as corals, algae and plankton to attach to and grow.
It will enhance recreational fisheries, snorkeling, eco-tourism, creating suitable areas for diving.
Related: About ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
– It was established in 1947 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and later it joined the ICAR in 1967.
– Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
– Its mission is to develop an information-based management system to regulate marine fisheries, augment coastal fish production and protect critical marine habitats.
Source: PIB
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