Lakshadweep Coral Reefs Face Sustainability Threats Amid Rising Marine Heatwaves and ENSO Events

Relevance: GS III Climate change 

Increased marine heatwaves, frequent El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, and climate-induced bleaching have put the coral reefs of Lakshadweep, India’s only coral atoll chain, under extreme ecological stress. These coral ecosystems, which were once thriving hotspots for biodiversity in the Arabian Sea, are currently facing issues with long-term sustainability, habitat degradation, and decreasing recovery rates. 

Important Study Highlights

• Following each bleaching event, recovery rates decreased by 50% during a 24-year period.
• Three significant El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episodes in 1998, 2010, and 2016 caused corals to deteriorate and then recover.

Causes of coral depletion

As a result of climate change-induced ocean temperature increases, marine heatwaves are occurring more frequently, which is detrimental to coral health.

• Precipitation from storms can quickly dilute ocean water, bleaching corals close to shore. Shallow corals may bleach if exposed to air during extreme low tides.

Other factors include sedimentation, shifting ocean currents, El Nino, and excessive sun exposure.

The significance of corals

Home to significant filter feeders, which remove pollutants and toxins from the waters similarly to sponges.

• Although they only make up 1% of the world’s seas, they are home to at least 25% of all marine life.
• Recreation and tourism, fishing, oxygen supply, medication development assistance, etc.

 Optimal conditions for coral formation

Four main areas for coral reefs: 

The largest group of islands in India’s history is the Andaman and Nicobar Group.

• Lakshadweep: Unaltered island atolls.
• Gujarat is the Gulf of Kachchh.
• The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is located in Palk Bay. found on a small scale in Malvan, Maharashtra as well.

Mains: 

Question: “Climate change has emerged as the single greatest threat to India’s coral ecosystems.” In this context, analyse the vulnerability of the Lakshadweep coral reefs and discuss the ecological and economic implications of their degradation.

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MCQs:

Question: With reference to coral bleaching in India, consider the following statements:

1. El Niño events have no impact on coral bleaching in Indian waters.
2. The frequency of marine heatwaves has increased due to climate change.
3. Lakshadweep is the only atoll chain in India and is facing reduced coral recovery rates.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

MCQs PYQs:

Question: Which of the following have coral reefs?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only 

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