Coral reefs in India are one of the most ancient and dynamic ecosystems of India. The coral reefs not only provide a sanctuary to a myriad of marine life but also play a key role in protecting the coastline from erosion. India has about 7517 km of coastline including islands but mainland coast is 6100 km.
Andaman and Nicobar IslandsSituated in the
Bay of Bengal, exclusively
fringing reefs of about 500 islands, most of these islands have a healthy biodiversity.
Gulf of KutchExclusively consists of fringing reefs. The reefs are relatively less developed due to large range of temperature and high salinity. The harbours have less biodiversity. The entire
Gulf of Kutch is also known as a marine national park.
Gulf of MannarFringing reefs with a chain of 21 islands from
Rameswaram in the north to
Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in the south. This part of the gulf forms part of the
Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve.
LakshadweepExclusively
coral atolls with 36 islands, of which 10 are inhabited. The islands range from less than 1 km (0.62 mi) to about 9 km (5.6 mi) in length, and do not exceed 2 km (1.2 mi) in width.
OthersTarkarli in
Malwan, Maharashtra is a smaller reef. There are some coral reefs around small inlets in the western part of the Gulf of Khambat.
Angria Bank is a coral reef off Vijaydurg in Maharashtra. There is a coral reef in
Netrani Island in Karnataka.
