BACKGROUND
Coral reefs, often termed as rainforests of the sea, sustain a great array of marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of coastal communities. Tata Chemicals' Mithapur plant is located near the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park that shelters coral reefs and is a Biodiversity Hotspot. Based on field observations and literature review, it was concluded that the coral reefs of Gujarat, including the Mithapur coral reef, need conservation support as the natural regeneration process is slow.
IMPLEMENTATION
Initiated in 2008,The Coral Reef Restoration Project is a joint collaboration between Tata Chemicals and the Wildlife Trust of India and is supported by the Gujarat State Forest Department. A Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) and a Governing Council (GC) were formed to facilitate implementation of the project. Conservation efforts included mapping of reef boundary and biodiversity, coral transplants, development of artificial reef structures, and developing a coral nursery.
Coral Transplantation
The pioneering project included a first-time attempt to transport live coral fragments over a distance of more than 1,200 km - from Lakshadweep Islands to Mithapur Reefs. The long-distance coral transportation protocol prepared and tested as part of the project, now serves as scientific database to the global scientific community involved in coral conservation. A species of fast-growing branching corals 'Acropora humilis' was selected as it could help speed-up the reef building process, and was a partial success.
Artificial Reefs
An artificial reef was created at Mithapur using limestone boulders as their rough surface is similar to a natural reef substrate and helps in recruitment of coral larvae.
Coral Nursery
A coral nursery site has also been developed for creation of a coral garden using the locally available coral species.
Awareness & Training
Awareness and training sessions were conducted for reef dependent fishermen, on the importance of coral reef conservation in their livelihoods and on methods to monitor coral reef health.
The project is currently in its third phase and as of March 2020, a total investment of INR 1.20 crore has been made.
IMPACT
The project has been instrumental in creation of 2,438 sq. mt. of additional hard surface area in the form of artificial reef structures. These conservation efforts have truly been a win-win, since they have enhanced fish catch in the project area to 1.65 kg. per hour as compared to 0.6 to 0.7 kg. per hour earlier, and increased fish diversity in the area from 55 species in 2010 to 64 species. Other noteworthy biodiversity improvements include presence of the rare seahorse and the Starry Puffer fish (Arothron stellatus) - a species recorded only twice before in Indian waters. Apart from these, 63 species of molluscs and 12 species of seaweed have also been recorded.
INCREASE IN LIVE
CORAL COVER FROM
12% IN 2008-09 TO
16% IN 2018
The project has been awarded the TATA INNOVISTA Finals award - under Dare to Try Category in 2014