Rehabilitation of coral communities

A fallout of pollution and climate change is degradation of coral beds. In a novel venture by BNHS, taken up for the very first time along the Maharashtra coast, these beds are being revived by transplanting coral fragments using artificial substrates and native coral species. The artificial reefs can regenerate fish production and enhance biological diversity. Besides, they can also boost ecotourism.

With water quality at Sarjekot in Malvan district being sedimented, rehabilitation work is now shifted to Vengurla in Sindhudurg district to achieve better success in growing corals. Khawane in Vengurla was selected based on the local people’s knowledge about current and sedimentation. Since Vengurla had no coral patches, they were brought in from Malvan district.