Key Findings of the Study
- Coral Cover Decline: Coral cover in Lakshadweep declined from 37.24% in 1998 to 19.6% in 2022, a ~50% reduction over 24 years.
- Three Major ENSO-linked Bleaching Events:
- 1998, 2010, 2016 – each event led to mass coral bleaching.
- Despite decreasing coral mortality with each successive event, recovery rates slowed.
- Delayed Recovery Trend:
- Recovery picked up only after 6 years of bleaching-free conditions, suggesting a critical minimum recovery window.
- Local Factors Matter:
- Wave exposure and depth act as local environmental filters influencing reef vulnerability and resilience.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Scientific Contribution
- Predictive Framework Proposed:
- Based on long-term monitoring of Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls.
- Can help identify reefs at higher risk vs. those with recovery potential.
- Published In: Diversity and Distributions, emphasizes interplay of local environmental filtering and marine heatwave frequency.
Climate Change Linkages
- Anthropogenic Warming:
- Ocean temperature anomalies have become more frequent and intense, driven by global climate change.
- ENSO Amplification:
- ENSO-related events are occurring more often, increasing cumulative stress on coral ecosystems.
Retrospective Linkages
- 1998 Baseline: First major ENSO event led to widespread bleaching globally and marked the beginning of long-term degradation.
- Policy Gaps in the 2000s:
- Limited reef restoration or marine protected area (MPA) implementation in Lakshadweep.
- Poor climate adaptation integration into reef management strategies.
Concerns & Risks
- Future ENSO & Heatwaves:
- IPCC projects more frequent marine heatwaves, risking even the remaining 19.6% coral cover.
- Loss of Ecosystem Services:
- Coral reefs provide coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism income — all under threat.
- Biodiversity Collapse: Lakshadweep reefs host diverse marine species, many endemic — bleaching threatens their survival.
Way Ahead (Policy + Scientific)
- Establish Coral Resilience Zones:
- Protect areas with better depth/wave exposure which act as natural refuges.
- Early Warning Systems:
- Integrate remote sensing & thermal anomaly forecasting for timely reef management.
- Community-Based Monitoring:
- Involve island communities in reef stewardship, using traditional ecological knowledge.
- Urgent Climate Action:
- India’s commitment to net zero by 2070 must integrate marine climate resilience.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
- Expand MPAs in Lakshadweep with enforceable no-fishing zones to allow recovery.
