Goa harbors its coral reefs into the lesser known
reefs around Grande Island. Goa Goa CM Pramod Sawant explained the occasion of
World Environment Day
He released a book “Corals and
Crabs” jointly published by the Forest Department of Goa
and WWF-India at the Goa Science Centre Auditorium in Panaji.
Corals and Crabs is a first step towards
bridging this existing knowledge gap and bringing amazing marine species found
in the reefs of Goa such as Stingrays, Lionfish, Ghost Pipefish, Decorator
Crabs and a whole array of Sea Slugs.
The book features over 30 stunning photographs
of marine habitats and biodiversity taken during WWF-India’s underwater surveys
at dive sites around Grand Island in 2018 to assess the impact of diving on the
reefs around the island.
Increasing marine based tourism made protection
and monitoring of these habitats critical.
Experiences such as scuba diving, snorkeling and
dolphin watching, while an important source of revenue for the state and an
enriching experience for tourists, tend to mount pressure on marine habitats
and wildlife.
About Goa
Capital: Panaji
Governor: Mridula Sinha
Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant