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Coral Translocation in Great Nicobar: UPSC Environment Notes

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Coral Translocation in Great Nicobar: Environmental Concerns and Conservation Challenges

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Environment and Conservation

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Key Highlights
  3. Environmental concerns

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.
Key Highlights
  • 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.
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.

Key Coral translocation and restoration projects

  • Gujarat Pipeline Project (Jamnagar) – India’s largest operation relocated 16,522 corals.
  • Mumbai Intertidal Relocations – 329 colonies of the Pseudosiderastrea tayamai species were relocated  and one year monitoring period revealed 92.1% survival rate.
  • Mithapur Reef Recovery –  Relocated Acropora coral fragments.
  • Gulf of Mannar Restoration – 51,000 coral fragments successfully transplanted.

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 Practice Question

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

    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 Wild Life (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

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