Study reveals that coral cover in Lakshadweep saw 50% reduction in 24-years

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The study raises concern about sustainability of corals across the Lakshadweep archipelago; Agatti, Kadmat and Kavaratti.

Key Highlights of study

Reduced recovery rates: 50% reduction in 24-years was due to reduced recovery rates after each bleaching event.
Major effects: Corals declined and recovered from three major El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events — in 1998, 2010 and 2016.

Marine heatwaves increase in temperature: With increase in frequency of marine heatwaves due to climate change induced ocean temperature which is harmful for coral health.
Runoff and pollution: Storm generated precipitation can rapidly dilute ocean water which can bleach near-shore corals.
Extreme low tides: Exposure to the air during extreme low tides can cause bleaching in shallow corals.
Others: Overexposure to sunlight, El Nino, Shifting ocean currents, sedimentation, etc.

Home to important filter feeders: Like sponges, that filter toxins and contaminants out of the oceans.
Support diverse ecosystems: Cover only 1% of the world’s oceans, but provide habitat for at least 25% of the world’s marine life.
Other: Tourism and recreation, fishing, Source of oxygen, help in drug development, etc.

Four major coral reef area:
- Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands: Largest on record in India.
- Lakshadweep: Atolls of undisturbed islands.
- Gulf of Kachchh: Gujarat.
- Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
Also found in Malvan, Maharashtra on a small scale.