India begins coral restoration in Gulf of Kachchh

News: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with help from Gujarat’s forest department, is attempting for the first time a process to restore coral reefs using biorock or mineral accretion technology.

Facts:

About biorock or mineral accretion technology

• Biorock is the substance formed by electro-accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater.
• The technology works by passing a small amount of electrical current through electrodes in the water
• As a result of the process, calcium carbonate is formed and coral larvae adhere to the CaCO3 and grow quickly.

Additional Information:

Corals and Coral Reefs in India

• Corals are small (0.25-12 inches), soft-bodied marine organisms.
• They live in colonies called reefs that they build using a limestone skeleton (calicle) lying at their base.
•  In India, coral reefs are located in 7 regions: Goa coast, Kerala coast, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kucch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep islands, Andaman and Nicobar islands.