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86. You discourage me from going to the reefs!

Not at all. I am telling you only to observe some precautions like minimizing sewage pollution, not littering the lagoon or reef with solid wastes and not anchoring your boat anywhere but tying it to moored buoys. Exercise caution while reef-walking or snorkeling and do not take away corals or shells as souvenirs. Leave them where they are so that others also have a chance to see them in their natural splendour.

87. That is alright as advice to a tourist. But how can I play a more useful role in protecting our reefs?

I am glad that you are a concerned citizen attempting to strike a balance between protection and sustainable use of the coral reef resources.

88. But can it be done?

Yes, with some co-operation from all concerned. Let us start with a basic issue. It is setting aside some reef areas for some specific purposes so that there is no conflict of interest between users. This is called a zoning plan.

89. What possible zones are there?

There are several zones: for fishing, tourist activities, water quality monitoring, educational visits, scientific research, protection of rare or endangered species, replenishment (closed for all activities) and even simple aesthetics. As it is obvious, each zone should ideally be used for only one activity.

90. How can you define such zones?

With some experience, logistic considerations and scientific knowledge.

For example, to define a tourist zone we should know how high is the biodiversity of the area and how safe it is for recreational activities like snorkeling and diving.

Water quality monitoring zones should be nearer to effluent discharge points, if any.

Scientific research zones should be in relatively undisturbed areas.

Of course, activities in the zones can also be rotated periodically so that the impacts from any one activity do not become excessive.

91. Still we need to keep track of what is happening?

Yes, for that we need to have a reef management plan.

92. How will you manage a fishing zone?

We go in sequence. First, we list all fish in that area and study how fast they grow. Based on this data we can calculate how much can be fished. This is called setting the quota.

We can also study the biology of the fish. From this, we can come to know when they are going to reproduce (release eggs). We can then declare that period as the closed season to protect the natural regeneration of fish in that area.

Similarly, from biological studies we can also know when the fish become adult.

We can then set size limits for the fish to be caught so that young ones are not caught.

93. How do we manage a tourist zone?

First by setting limits to the number of tourists coming to the reef and the sites they can visit at any given time so that the pressure on the reef is thin and uniform. By educating. them on the possible damages their recreational activities can cause, and ensuring that they understand their responsibilities.

94. And the biodiversity protection zones?

Some species, by nature, occur in low numbers and only in certain parts of a reef. An example is the Balanoglossus, the first animal to acquire a backbone in evolutionary history. This occurs only in some reefs in Gulf of Mannar and is much sough-after by students! The only way such species can be protected is by having these zones declared inaccessible to all except scientists.

95. What can we do with the scientific research zones?

These zones serve normally as control zones against which other zones can be evaluated for impacts. These are generally left undisturbed. If there are no large industries present, then the water quality management zones can also be integrated with the scientific research zones.

96. What can we do with the education zones?

Use them to teach students, public and managers alike of the value of the reefs and the need to use their resources meaningfully. These would serve as natural demonstration laboratories where impacts on small scales can be created and their damaging effects can be shown to them. For example, what happens if you overturn a stone and leave it that way, or how poisoning fish can affect all other organisms in the vicinity.

97. Wouldn't we need some sort of enforcement for compliance?

Unfortunately, yes. That is why surveillance against infringements and enforcement of the regulations form part of the management action plans. However, compliance can best be achieved by creating awareness among the users. It is the basis for the joint management approach.

98. What is the Joint Management Approach?

A system of management where every stakeholder has a say on how to use the reef resources and how to protect them. The stakeholders are the government, the local communities, the NGOs, the tourists, the scientists, the industries, and above all the Mother Nature. In such a plan, where everyone’s needs are taken care of, compliance is almost automatic. Another advantage here is that the traditional knowledge finds its right place. Local communities have been living with the reefs for centuries and they probably know better than us how to manage their precious reefs.

99. Do we have such management plans for all our reef regions?

They are being drafted. Such plans also keep on evolving based on new scientific inputs. That is why the Government of India has initiated a national framework of data collection called 'Indian Coral Reef Monitoring Network’. The aim of this project is to bring uniformity and relevancy to data collection on the status and impacts on coral reefs and promote exchange of information between all concerned with coral reef management.

100. Will all these measures be successful?

We have no other choice than to make them successful. Otherwise, you’ll be seeing a coral reef only in picture post cards or video clippings. As simple as that.

101. Thanks a lot for all this information. In what way can I be a part of your efforts to protect corals?

You can help in four ways:

- by practicing what you learnt through this book;
- by leaving the reefs in a better shape for the future generations;
- by spreading the message among your friends, classmates, colleagues, family members and your children; and also
- by telling us what else can we do for a sustainable management of our coral reefs.

The living splendour of coral reefs can bring pleasure to millions in the future as they did to millions in the past, only if we make it possible for them to survive.