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Treasure trove of the Arabian Sea
NOTICING both short and long-term changes in the aquatic realm, encountering marine life is unavoidable for people who don masks and venture underwater.
Divers are ambassadors to the aquatic environment and today they are some of the strongest supporters of programmes such as
1. Underwater and beach clean-ups,
2. Marine parks and protective areas.
Coral reefs cover around 600,000 km, which is less than 1 per cent of the sea-bottom. Nonetheless they are important because:
1. They serve as nursery grounds to 25 per cent of marine species;
2. They are home to nearly 33 per cent of all known fish species
The Atlantic Ocean contains about 15 per cent of the world’s coral reef, with about 70 per cent coral species along with 500 fish species. On the other hand, the Indo-Pacific consists of about 85 per cent of the world’s coral reef with about 700 coral species and 4,000 fish species
Coral reef acts as a coastal barrier, protecting islands and coastal communities from storms, wave damage and erosion. In fact, one-sixth of the world’s coastlines are protected by them. Not only this but also, Low Islands in the Caribbean owe their existence to coral reef because it absorbs incoming wave energy. Extensive research on their utility suggests that one square meter/yard of coral reef protects $47,000 of property value.
Furthermore, coral reef attracts tourist, which boost local economies. In some areas, a single square km of coral reef can generate nearly three million dollars worth of yearly tourism revenue. In comparison, the destructive practice of dynamite fishing in the same area would yield a one-time income of $15,000. Coral reef tourism can benefit the area but it must be well-planned and wellmanaged to ensure sustained health of the reef
Pharmacologists have found that coral reefs contain many biomedical compounds such as anti-cancer agents, anti-HIV agents and antibiotics. It is used to experimentally repair and replace human bones. Certain kinds, such as finger coral (porties) and kidney coral (Goniopora), have a skeletal porosity quite like human bones and so vessels and nerves grow into the coral.
Coral reef probably holds several undiscovered beneficial compounds. Of course one can only make use of these mysterious elements if coral reefs remain pollution-free and are properly preserved.
Scientists have had a difficult time classifying coral because it appears to be a unique combination of animal, plant and minerals. In the past, coral has been classified as either lithophytes (stone-plants) or zoophytes (animal-plants). Coral are animals (Cnidarians) and are related to both jellyfish and anemones. They are simple animals without a brain, specialized internal organs or an anus.
Their plant nature comes from the single-cell alga-zooxanthellae found deep within their tissues. Zooxanthellae are the key to coral reef’s success. Their mineral natures comes from their limestone (calcium carbonate) content manufactured with the help of their resident plants and from the calcium and carbonates that is abundant in sea water.
Coral reefs are one of the oldest, most productive and diverse ecosystems in the sea. All modern reefs were formed during the last Ice Age less than 18,000 years ago. No single theory completely explains reef formation. In fact, its formation depends upon local factors such as tectonic forces, glacial period climate and oceanographic conditions.
Over time, volcanic islands sink and fringing reefs are formed. Further sinking leads to barrier reefs, which are separated from land by very wide and sometimes deep lagoons. This can also lead to atoll — they are elliptical reefs with no nearby land. As the island subsides, reef growth usually compensates for the rate at which it is sinking.
Reef organisms other than corals can contribute to it’s framework. Like mortar between bricks, cementing organisms make the reef stronger and more wave-resistant. These include coralline algae, encrusting fire coral, soft corals, bryozoans and forms. Without these organisms contributing to the reef’s strength, it could not withstand storms or powerful waves. Although coral reefs look like solid structures, 40-70 per cent of a reef is made up of tunnels, grottoes and caves. This open space provides more habitats than solid structures.
Asexual reproduction is accomplished by budding (cloning) a genetically identical new individual from the parent. This increases the colony size but doesn’t produce new colonies. Branching corals can also grow sexually though fragmentations pieces are broken off
Sexual reproduction produces free swimming larvae called planula, which can settle to create new colonies. Most corals reach sexual maturity at 7-10 years of age when they are 10cm.
Coral colonies can be male or female hermaphroditic, capable of producing both sperm and eggs. Growth rates vary by species and the colony’s age can be determine by corals, reef position and the presence of zooxanthellae
Young colonies tend to grow more rapidly than older, larger colonies. Branched corals generally grow more rapidly than massive corals, for example, Elkhorn can grow a 5-10 centimetre diameter along with a height of 2-5 centimetre per year. Boulder coral grows only 0.2-0.5 centimetre in diameter and 0.25-0.75 centimetre in height per year. Coral longevity is unknown, but evidence suggests most 10-year-old colonies are younger although massive corals may be a hundred years old.
Coral reefs do not exist in isolation and cannot be managed as discrete patches within the sea. Reef management must include associated water sheds and near-shore communities, such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests.
Most coral reef management success stories usually involve local share holder accounts for native culture, historical uses and political realities. Local communities must have both short-term and long-term incentive for protecting the reefs.
Not only this but also, sustainable development helps in managing coral reef resources. Sustainable and beneficial uses include:
1. Pharmaceutical products. They provide economic benefits and protect biodiversity.
2. Eco-tourism. Using reef resources to entertain visitors provide continual use as opposed to consummated uses, such as fishing.
One useful method of preserving local resources is to expand coral reef parks, reserves and sanctuaries. This protects multiple eco-systems and breeding grounds. However, such plans can only be successful if they ensure the participation of local communities in various managerial capacities.
The writer
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