Andamans and Nicobar islands are a remote archipelago home to a significant distribution of coral reefs. However, a burgeoning settler community, rapid tourism, military presence, climate change, urban development have had a negative impact on the island’s fragile ecology. Introduction of species such as dogs, cats,rats have caused many endemic fauna to become vulnerable and in some cases extinct.

Sustainable tourism is not commonly practiced, however some checks and balances in the form of MPA’s, mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage on the corals etc have been implemented to protect the reefs which are the main livelihood source for the islands both for fishing and tourism. However a lot more needs to be done, if the islands are to remain pristine and full of natural life in the future, such expeditions bring students closer to these important issues and builds awareness. It also drives more sustainable forms of tourism.