FRIDAY, JULY 05, 2024
Meliston Fernandes
Goa, a small state on the western coast of India, is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and bustling tourism industry. However, beneath its azure waters lies a lesser-known treasure: the coral reefs. These reefs are not as extensive or as well-known as those in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or the Lakshadweep archipelago, but they hold significant ecological importance and are a vital part of Goa’s marine biodiversity.
Goa’s coral reefs are primarily fringing reefs, located near the shoreline. The most noticeable coral reefs in Goa are found around Grande Island (Ilhas Grande), St. George Island, and the outer reefs near Bat Island (Ilhas Pequeno). These reefs are characterized by a variety of hard and soft corals, which provide habitat and shelter for a lot of marine life.
“Coral reefs are a vital part of the marine ecosystem that are found all around the world, especially near the tropics, and in Goa as well. Corals play an important role in building habitats for marine organisms. Additionally, they form barriers against the waves and provide protection to coastlines. Coral reefs are extremely diverse, with most life in the ocean living on these reefs. Healthy corals make for a healthy ocean, which provides many resources and oxygen for the rest of the planet. Goa in particular has patches of coral that form large plates, looking like a flower garden. These coral plates provide a safe haven for developing reef fish and fish larvae and help keep the fish stocks around Goa healthy”, says, Venkatesh Charloo founder trustee of Coastal Impact
They are hotspots of marine biodiversity, supporting a wide array of species. Various species of reef fish such as groupers, snappers, barracuda, surgeon-fish, tuna, turtles, triggerfish, angelfish, sea cucumbers, and even the occasional shark thrive in these reefs. The reefs provide feeding and breeding grounds for these fish. The reefs host a multitude of invertebrates including sea anemones, starfish, sea urchins, and various species of mollusks. Crabs, lobsters, and shrimps are commonly found in the reef ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the reef’s food web. Different types of algae, including coralline algae, are integral to the reef structure and health, contributing to the reef-building process.
“Coral reefs are still present in Goa around Grande Island, Bat Island, and St. George Island. These reefs are home to various marine organisms, including fish, invertebrates and sea turtles. One of the most prominent corals here is Turbinaria which grows as flat plate-like colonies. The reefs are crucial for Goa’s ecology or economy and provide vital habitat for breeding grounds, nurseries & feeding areas for countless fish species along with coastal protection, as a natural barrier against waves and erosion. Tourism is a major draw for tourists, scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, generating revenue for the local economy. Coral reefs in Goa, like many around the world, are facing depletion due to a combination of factors of climate change, unregulated tourism, overfishing, and pollution. The reefs have remained largely ignored from the conservation perspective due to a lack of management plans. While tourism in the region serves as a livelihood to many, it is also an eye-opener to marine biodiversity and its conservation.” Says Wayne L.J Fernandes, Environmentalist from Assolna.
Coral reefs enhance overall marine biodiversity and resilience. Young fish
and other marine organisms find
shelter and food in the reef’s complex structures, which is crucial for their development and survival.
“Shells and corals are of also of incredible importance because of the remarkable amount of scientific data that accompanies them. With dates, location, and other information, they would provide the general public and scientists with an opportunity to not only view but study as well. The shells and chorals are
a comprehensive record of the biodiversity of important groups of animals, especially the mollusks which create these complex and beautiful structures as protective homes.” Says Victor Hugo Gomes, the founder and curator of Neemranas three waters in Betul and Goa Chitra, Goa Chakra and Goa Cruthi museums in Benaulim
Climate is one main factor that affects the coral reefs of Goa. “Climate change is the biggest threat to the coral reefs. As the temperatures rise over the oceans, this will lead to mass coral bleaching events, and such events are increasing with time in the recent decades. Further, when more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed into the Ocean, it will reduce the calcification rates in reef building by altering sea water chemistty through decreasing pH. This will lead to process called Ocean acidification. Acidification can slow down the growth rates of corals, making it difficult for reefs to recover from physical damage or bleaching events. Prolonged periods of high temperatures can cause direct thermal stress, leading to increased mortality rates in coral populations.” Says Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a Meteorologist and Chief Scientist (Retd) from the Physical Oceanography Division of the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa. Understanding these impacts and taking proactive steps to protect and restore coral reefs are crucial for the resilience of Goan marine ecosystems.
Today, heat waves and ocean acidification are also causing catastrophic coral reef deaths; 30% of the corals in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are dead. Fossils have also become increasingly important because understanding the planet’s condition in prehistoric periods is crucial for scientists to explain the current climate changes, and fossils provide a window into the ocean’s deep past. Studying the dead corals can help us to preserve the living ones.
Other than the climate change there are few other reason for coral depletion. Runoff from agriculture, untreated sewage, and industrial waste can lead to water pollution, which is detrimental
to coral health. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices can damage the reef structure and deplete fish populations. Unregulated tourism activities, such as anchoring on reefs and irresponsible diving practices, can physically damage the corals.
Goa’s coral reefs, though not as vast as some other reef systems, are an essential part of the region’s marine ecosystem. Protecting and preserving these reefs is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity, supporting fisheries, and safeguarding coastal communities. Through continued conservation efforts and sustainable practices, it is possible to ensure that Goa’s coral reefs remain a vibrant and thriving part of the marine environment for generations to come.
