Staghorn coral in shallow ocean

Rainforests of the sea. Staghorn coral in shallow ocean

Coral reefs—like the staghorn coral pictured here—are home to roughly 25% of all marine species, despite covering less than 1% of the seafloor. These ecosystems not only support ocean biodiversity but also protect coastlines and drive economies through tourism and fishing. But coral reefs are in crisis. Warming oceans, pollution and overfishing have put over 70% of coral reefs at risk—a figure expected to rise in the coming years.

India's coral reefs are ancient and diverse, mainly found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Strait and Lakshadweep. While most are fringing reefs, Lakshadweep features atolls. Patchy corals occur along the central west coast and hermatypic corals are seen from Kollam to Enayam Puthenthurai.