As many as 16,000 corals have been saved from destruction in India’s biggest translocation project in the Marine National Park (MNP) in Jamnagar district, Gujarat. The project was initiated due to the laying of a new pipeline by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to replace its 40-year-old worn-away pipeline. The delicate handling of these endangered creatures was carried out by experts from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in collaboration with the Gujarat forest department. The coral colonies, which play a crucial role in protecting the underwater ecosystem, were successfully relocated 5km away to a safe zone.

Coral reefs have both ecological and economic importance, as they protect the underwater ecosystem from erosion and generate recreational activities. The old pipeline of IOC had reached its age limit, necessitating the laying of a new one. The relocation of the coral colonies was approved by the National Board of Wildlife under the condition of not causing any harm to these fragile creatures.

R Senthil Kumaran, Chief Conservator of Forest, MNP, highlighted the challenge of balancing conservation with development during the project. Previous relocations had been performed on a smaller scale, but this operation marked the largest and most successful relocation of coral fragments in Indian history. Ten experts from ZSI, based in Kolkata, dedicated one-and-a-half years to execute the relocation process. The corals were safely moved to a location in Narara that was deemed suitable for their survival.

The Marine National Park in Gujarat is home to two types of corals – subtidal corals that thrive in deep waters and intertidal corals that are visible on the surface. The relocation process involved snorkelling and scuba diving techniques. Kumaran stated that the relocation was considered successful with a survival rate of over 90%. The coral colonies will be closely monitored over the next three-and-a-half years for any signs of disease or algae separation.

This groundbreaking translocation project showcases the importance of preserving fragile marine ecosystems while carrying out development activities. The successful conservation effort in Gujarat sets an example for future projects aiming to protect and relocate endangered marine species.