Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 10: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India sanctioned National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
More than 100 countries worldwide consider coral reefs to be their most valuable maritime habitats. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, the Gulf of Kachchh, and Lakshadweep are home to India’s significant coral reefs. The National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) will be established at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are encircled by barrier reefs on their western side and fringing reefs on their eastern side. Among the diverse and intricate marine life found on the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the coral reefs are the most delicate and fascinating faunal components. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands coral reef ecosystem boasts a high proportion of endemic species and specialized biological communities, making it incredibly rich in marine biodiversity.
The Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India has already carried out research studies under the NCRRI funded by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India since 2002. The aim of the NCRRI is to Long-term monitoring Coral Reef Ecosystem, Mangrove Ecosystem, Sea Grass Ecosystem, Mud Flats and Sandunes of India; Capacity building and mitigation of climate changes; Awareness and Education programmes; Develop Marine Aquarium, Marine Interpretation centre and Coral reef museum; Diploma course on Coral Taxonomy and Coral Reef Monitoring; and Data base and Management Action Plan.
The proposed NCRRI will be operated from Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, A & N Islands, there will be three blocks i.e., (1) Administrative Block; (2) Aquarium, Museum, and Marine Interpretation Centre; (3) Transit Hostel besides visitors Centre.