The fragile coral ecosystems of Lakshadweep have been significantly impacted by an unprecedented mass coral bleaching event, with 84.6% of coral reefs in the region affected during 2023-24. This alarming revelation was made by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in response to a query in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the severity of coral reef degradation caused by rising ocean temperatures.

The issue comes in the backdrop of the Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event (GCBE4), which has severely impacted marine ecosystems across the world. Scientists warn that the situation is a major indicator of escalating climate change effects, further endangering ocean biodiversity and local livelihoods dependent on these reefs.

Global Coral Bleaching Crisis: NOAA Identifies Severe Oceanic Stress

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) had previously announced in April 2024 that the world is experiencing a global coral bleaching event, marking the fourth recorded instance and the second in the past decade.

According to NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch (CRW), bleaching-level heat stress has been extensively recorded across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, leading to severe damage to marine ecosystems. Rising sea surface temperatures, driven by global warming and extreme weather conditions, have played a major role in accelerating this crisis.

Lakshadweep Among the Worst-Hit, While Andaman and Gulf of Mannar Show Partial Recovery

The MoES report to Parliament confirmed that the Lakshadweep region has experienced the most severe impact, with an overwhelming 84.6% of coral reefs suffering bleaching due to extreme heat stress. While the ministry noted that some reefs in the region have started to recover, the overall damage is substantial.

In contrast, smaller-scale bleaching events were observed in the South Andaman region, affecting 15-18% of coral reefs, with most of them now showing signs of recovery. Similarly, the Gulf of Mannar recorded localized bleaching in certain patchy areas, though it was not as widespread as in Lakshadweep.

The report further noted that coral reef degradation has been progressively worsening in various parts of India, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Government’s Measures to Combat Coral Bleaching and Promote Reef Conservation

In response to concerns over the large-scale coral loss, Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, outlined the steps taken by the government to monitor, restore, and protect coral reef ecosystems across India.

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has been conducting in-situ observations of coral reefs since 2002, focusing on developing effective restoration strategies and assessing ecological threats. Additionally, the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has helped limit human activities in sensitive reef zones, promoting natural coral recovery.

One of the most notable conservation efforts includes India’s largest coral translocation project in the Gulf of Kutch, where approximately 16,000 corals were relocated to safer habitats in an attempt to restore the reef ecosystem and mitigate environmental stress.

Climate Change and Infrastructure Development: A Double Threat to Lakshadweep’s Coral Reefs

The climate crisis, marine heatwaves, and large-scale tourism projects have emerged as significant threats to Lakshadweep’s already fragile coral reef systems. Reports suggest that extreme temperature fluctuations since October 2023 have intensified bleaching, pushing the ecosystem toward long-term degradation.

Further concerns have been raised regarding the impact of mega-tourism initiatives and infrastructure expansion, which could disrupt the delicate balance of Lakshadweep’s environment. With a total land area of just 32 square kilometers, including 10 inhabited and 26 uninhabited islands, the region’s coral ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to unsustainable human activities and development projects.

Long-Term Monitoring Indicates Declining Coral Cover Across Indian Coastlines

The Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad has been conducting long-term assessments of coral reef health through its Inventory of Indian Coral Reefs project. Preliminary results indicate significant loss of reef area in multiple locations, signaling a continuous decline in coral coverage.

For instance, data from Malvan reef in Maharashtra suggests a visible loss of coral over a period of 13 years (2007-2020). Similarly, four reefs in the Gulf of Mannar—Koswari, Nalla Tanni Tivu, Pichaimoopan Valasai, and Shingle reef—have experienced a decline over a period of 12-14 years (2004/05 to 2018), indicating long-term damage due to environmental stressors.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Policies for Coral Reef Protection

As India faces the repercussions of a rapidly changing climate, experts emphasize the urgent need for strengthened policies, increased funding for conservation projects, and enhanced research on coral resilience.

While the government has undertaken multiple initiatives to monitor and protect reefs, there is a growing demand for more proactive measures such as reducing carbon emissions, regulating coastal developments, and expanding marine protected zones. Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and environmental organizations will be key in ensuring the long-term survival of India’s coral ecosystems.

As the global coral bleaching crisis unfolds, Lakshadweep’s reefs serve as a stark reminder of the immediate threats posed by climate change, urging both national and global efforts to protect these vital marine ecosystems before it’s too late.