Study on diseases affecting corals

Apart from coral formations in the beleagured Gulf of Mannar, one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, corals are also found off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and the Gulf of Kutchh. There is little reliable data on coral diseases in India, and this initiative will help isolate solutions and curb destructive human practices. Apart from biological stresses such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, climate change factors such as sea surface temperatures, ultraviolet radiation and pollutants are also taking their toll on corals.

June 2008