Aug 13, 2024
CORAL BLEACHING IN LAKSHADWEEP
1. What is coral bleaching?
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, from their tissues due to stress, often caused by elevated sea temperatures. This loss turns the corals white and can lead to their death if the stress continues.
2. What has been observed in the Lakshadweep coral reefs?
A significant bleaching event has been observed, with around 70% of the coral reef area affected. This includes fast-growing and branching corals like Acropora and Pocillopora, which have shown extensive bleaching.
3. What causes coral bleaching in Lakshadweep?
The primary cause is marine heatwaves (MHWs), where sea surface temperatures rise significantly above normal. This increase in temperature disrupts the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem, leading to bleaching.
4. What is the impact of coral bleaching on marine life?
Coral reefs support a diverse range of marine species, including fish, invertebrates, and algae. Bleaching can lead to the collapse of these ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
5. How does bleaching affect the local economy?
Coral reefs are a major draw for tourism, which is a significant source of income for the local population. The loss of coral reefs can diminish the appeal of these areas for tourists, impacting the economy.
6. What other environmental factors contribute to coral bleaching?
Besides rising sea temperatures, factors like pollution, including plastic waste and microplastics, can exacerbate the stress on coral reefs. However, oil pollution was not found to be a significant issue in the Lakshadweep region.
7. What is being done to monitor and manage coral bleaching?
There are coral bleaching alert systems in place, such as those provided by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). These systems help monitor bleaching events and gather data on the affected coral species.
8. How do marine heatwaves (MHWs) impact coral reefs?
MHWs, characterized by prolonged periods of elevated sea temperatures, are particularly harmful to coral reefs. They increase the likelihood of bleaching events and can cause widespread damage to the marine ecosystem.
9. Is coral bleaching a global issue?
Yes, coral bleaching is a global phenomenon, exacerbated by climate change. Similar events have been observed in other parts of the world, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, often linked to climatic processes like El Nino.
10. Can coral reefs recover from bleaching?
Coral reefs can recover if the stressors are removed and favorable conditions return. However, recovery can take several years, and repeated bleaching events can hinder the long-term resilience of coral ecosystems.
SRIRAM’s
