Twitter
Advertisement

'Sex on the reef' brings joy to experts

Scientists have for the first time recorded coral spawning in the picturesque Lakshadweep islands, a clear indication that the coral and marine systems there are in a healthy condition.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Scientists have for the first time recorded coral spawning in the picturesque Lakshadweep islands, a clear indication that the coral and marine systems there are in a healthy condition.

Coral spawning (popularly referred to as ‘sex-on-the-reef) is sexual reproduction of corals, which involves mass collective expulsion of colourful eggs and sperm clouds into the water by corals.
Normally taking place once a year, the gametes then rise to the surface of the ocean creating a colourful slick. The phenomenon means that the coral reefs are in a very good condition.

During spawning, the eggs are fertilised and form larvae. The larvae then float off till they find suitable substrates, settle and form their own colonies, helping corals thrive.

The slick, which locals mistook for oil spill, was observed and recorded by the Wildlife Trust of India’s (WTI) marine biologist Subburaman S last week.

“I was travelling by boat, when I noticed an interesting effect in the water. Out of curiosity, I collected some pink and brown spawn for examination,” said Subburaman who then with the help of two scientists – Dr Jasmine and R Srinath  of the Central Marine Fisheries and Research
Institute —  confirmed spawning.

“Spawning happens every year but it is for the first time it has been scientifically observed and recorded on India’s western coast. The phenomenon means that corals are healthy and growing and that the marine system is in a good condition,” Subburaman told DNA.

Lakshadweep’s forest department official Abdul Raheem also confirmed the development to DNA. “Spawning was noticed just four days ago. It happens every year but this time it was scientifically recorded,” he said.

The Wildlife Trust of India’s (WTI), for whom Subburaman is working, said the post-confirmation survey showed that the larvae were seen forming slick-like layers around four islands – Agatti Island, Bangaram, Thinakara, and Kavarrati.

The scientists believe that spawning means that corals are in perfectly healthy and stress free condition which is a great news for them.

Explaining further, BC Choudhury of WTI said: “This comes at a time when a lot of pessimism surrounds the state of our corals – with talk of them getting bleached, their habitats being destroyed, global warming, sea levels rising and so on. It is really a magnificent sight, and the team of scientists at Lakshadweep was really fortunate to witness it.”

“It should give impetus to others working with corals to look out for their seasons of spawning, and encourage people to monitor these beautiful organisms on a larger scale,” he added.

Coral spawning is a big tourist attraction in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, where it generally happens soon after the full moon in November or December.

@journomayank

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement