Coral Translocation in Great Nicobar: Environmental Concerns and Conservation Challenges

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Environment and Conservation

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is Coral Translocation?
3. Environmental concerns
4. Legal and Institutional Framework
5. About Great Nicobar Island

Why in the News?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) informed the biodiversity monitoring committee that four suitable sites have been identified for relocating Corals and Giant Clams from the Great Nicobar Island development project-affected area.

News in Brief

• The Zoological Survey of India has identified four sites on the west coast of Great Nicobar Island for the translocation of coral colonies and giant clams that may be affected by the proposed transhipment port at Galathea Bay under the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) development project.
• The exercise is part of the Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) conditions attached to the Great Nicobar mega project.
• The move aims to minimise the ecological damage caused by infrastructure development in the ecologically sensitive region.

What is Coral Translocation?

Coral translocation as the process of carefully removing coral colonies or fragments from a threatened site and relocating them to a suitable habitat.

Objectives of Coral Translocation

• Reduce ecological loss from development projects
  • Mega-container transhipment port and associated infrastructure require massive dredging, which impacts the reefs.
  • Increased chemical run-off, sewage discharge, and thermal pollution from vessels also degrade Coral Reefs in the region
• Restore degraded coral habitats
  • ZSI is shifting an estimated 16,150 coral colonies alongside Giant Clams from a 10-hectare impact zone in Galathea Bay.
• Protect coral species from direct project impact
  • The translocation is a mandatory environmental mitigation condition required by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
• Support long-term reef conservation
  • Conducts SCUBA-based research and uses autonomous systems for long-term ecological monitoring to understand how reefs respond to climate change.
  • Many NGOs accept funding to adopt coral frames or sponsor artificial reef structures.
  • Practice eco-friendly diving and snorkelling to avoid trampling or physically damaging the vulnerable reefs when visiting.

Key facts on Coral Translocation

• Around 16,150 coral colonies are proposed to be translocated from the Galathea Bay region.
  • Coral translocation is being considered as a mitigation measure to balance infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation.
• GPS-based monitoring will be used to track the survival and health of relocated coral colonies.
• Approvals under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, will be obtained for handling Schedule – I species such as coral colonies and giant clams.
• A biodiversity monitoring committee has been established to oversee compliance with environmental safeguards.
• Surveys have recorded 141 leatherback turtle nests in the Nicobar region.
• Experts have recommended satellite tagging of turtles to track their movement before the commencement of the project.

Legal and Institutional Framework

• Coastal Regulation Zone Rules
  • CRZ rules regulate activities in coastal and marine areas to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems.
  • Prohibit construction, dredging, and destructive practices in designated coastal and marine ecological zones
• Wild Life Protection Act, 1972
  • Protected species such as corals and giant clams may require legal approval for handling or relocation.
  • All hard corals (Scleractinian species) are listed under Schedule I, which imposes strict prohibitions on the collection, harvesting, and trade of both live and dead corals, violations punishable by imprisonment.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002
  • Regulates the access and benefit-sharing of marine biological resources and governs the declaration of Marine Biodiversity Heritage Sites
• National Coastal Mission Programme
  • A Central Sector Scheme dedicated to the restoration and management of major coral reef sites (Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
• National Coastal Mission Programme
  • This is a Central Sector Scheme.
  • Dedicated to the restoration and management of major coral reef sites (Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Significance of Coral Reefs in India

• Development vs Conservation
  • The issue reflects the challenge of balancing strategic infrastructure with ecological protection.
• Marine Biodiversity Protection
  • Coral reefs support fisheries, coastal protection and marine food chains.
• Island Governance
  • Great Nicobar raises questions about sustainable development in fragile island regions.
• Climate Resilience
  • Healthy coral reefs act as natural barriers and support coastal resilience.
• Livelihoods
  • Coastal region people rely on coral reefs for income.

Environmental Concerns

• Galathea Bay is an important habitat for,
  • • • • Coral reefs
        • Giant Clams
        • Leatherback sea turtles
        • Nicobar Megapode
        • Saltwater crocodiles
        • Nicobar macaques
        • Coconut crabs
        • Robber crabs
        • Tree-cavity-nesting birds.
• Environmental groups have raised concerns regarding,
  • • • • Effectiveness of large-scale coral translocation.
        • Disturbance to nesting beaches of leatherback turtles.
        • Long-term impacts on fragile island ecosystems.

About Great Nicobar Island

• The southernmost large island of the Nicobar group.
• Located close to important international sea routes near the Malacca Strait.
• Home to tropical forests, coral reefs, mangroves and coastal ecosystems.
• Habitat for several rare, endemic and protected species.

Conclusion

• The project highlights the challenges of pursuing strategic and economic development in ecologically sensitive island regions.
• The outcome may shape future environmental management practices for large coastal infrastructure projects in India.

UPSC Prelims Facts

• Coral reefs are marine biodiversity hotspots.
• Corals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Giant clams are reef-associated marine species.
• Galathea Bay is located on Great Nicobar Island.
• Leatherback turtles are among the largest sea turtles.
• CRZ regulations govern coastal development activities.
• Coral bleaching is linked to rising sea surface temperature.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

With reference to the conservation measures under the Great Nicobar Development Project, consider the following statements,

1. 1. Coral translocation involves relocating coral colonies from one site to another to reduce project-related ecological impacts.
   2. The Great Nicobar Project proposes the relocation of both coral colonies and giant clams.
   3. Giant Clams are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: d) 1,2 and 3

Key Takeaways

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