Observations on the recruitment of the Scleractinian coral in the Gulf of Mannar, India

Abstract

Techniques to enhance natural recruitment in the restoration of coral reefs are being developed in many reef areas around the World. The Indian reefs, which were subjected to widescale destruction in the past due to several factors, natural as well as anthropogenic, also demand the understanding of coral recruitment patterns as the first step to evolve restorative measures. This study reports coral recruitment patterns at a reef location in Gulf of Mannar along southeast coast of India. Though the results of this study are preliminary, subsequent observations are recommended for a complete understanding on species-wise behavioural patterns and seasonal role in recruitment.