The International Coral Reef Initiative

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http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=36367

 

CORAL AND MANGROVE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

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*17:53 IST * LOK SABHA

 

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), a partnership among

governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations

throughout the world, has designated 2008 as the International Year of the

Reef (IYOR 2008).

 

The Government has issued the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991.

Under the Notification, mangroves, corals and coral reef areas are

classified as Coastal Regulation Zone–I(i). No developmental activities in

these areas, other than those permissible under the Notification, can be

taken up. For implementing and enforcing the said Notification, the

Government has constituted one National and State/Union Territory level

Coastal Zone Management Authorities under Environment (Protection) Act,

1986. These Authorities have been delegated with necessary powers under the

aforesaid Act to take punitive action against violations. The Ministry of

Environment & Forests also has a National Committee on Mangroves & Coral

Reefs to oversee their conservation & management.

 

Some species of fishes are included in Schedule I Part II A of Wildlife

(Protection) Act, 1972 and any trade of the scheduled species is not allowed

under the provisions of the Act. However, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the

concerned State/Union Territory Governments, with the prior permission from

the Director, Wildlife Preservation, Government of India can permit the

collection of such Scheduled species for research purpose. Besides, the

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries is regulating the

import of exotic aquatic species including ornamental fishes through the

National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian

Waters.

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and

Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena, in a written reply to a question by Shrimati

Maneka Gandhi in the Lok Sabha today.

 

KP/Hb