In News:

In a paper published in the Cell Press journal Trends in Biotechnology, researchers demonstrate that the ink could boost coral settlement by more than 20 times, which they hope could contribute to rebuilding coral reefs around the world.

Recent Development in Coral Restoration

• Institution: University of California, San Diego
• Innovation: Development of SNAP-X, a specialized bio-ink.
• Significance: SNAP-X boosts coral larvae settlement by 20 times, marking a major advancement in coral reef restoration, especially vital in the context of climate change-induced reef degradation.

What are Coral Reefs?

• Coral reefs are diverse marine ecosystems formed by colonies of coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to create hard exoskeletons.
• These ecosystems thrive in warm, shallow, and clear tropical waters and are among the most productive on Earth.

Examples of Coral Reefs

• Global: Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
• India: Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep Islands

Importance of Coral Reefs

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Support thousands of marine species.
• Coastal Protection: Act as natural barriers against storms and erosion.
• Livelihoods: Sustain tourism and fisheries industries.
• Food Security: Provide fish and other resources to coastal communities.

Types of Coral Reefs

• Fringing Reefs
  • Found close to coastlines
  • Separated from land by shallow lagoons
  • Most widespread type
• Barrier Reefs
  • Located farther from shore
  • Separated by deeper, wider lagoons
  • Example: Great Barrier Reef
• Atolls
  • Ring-shaped reefs surrounding a central lagoon
  • Often form around subsiding volcanic islands
  • Found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans

Favorable Conditions for Coral Reef Growth

Factor                                                 Requirement

Water Temperature                 Around 20°C; typically in tropical zones (30°N to 30°S)

Sunlight                                            Shallow depths (up to ~55 meters) allow photosynthesis

Water Clarity                                 Low nutrient and sediment levels for light penetration

Salinity                                              Stable marine salinity levels

Pollution                                           Minimal; corals are sensitive to chemical/sediment pollutants

Food Supply                                   Plankton-rich water sustains coral polyp