Will this summer’s rising temperature be extremely harmful for the coral reefs of Lakshadweep islands? Researchers have therefore raised an alarm about the excessive bleaching of corals seen in Lakshadweep. Researchers of Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) conducted a survey which shows an increase in sea surface temperature due to El Nino ocean current compared to 1998 which had experienced the worst bleaching effect. They are concerned as this year the damage caused if not worst will be equal. However the correct results will be known only after monsoon.
A scientist of oceans and coasts, Mr Rohan Arthur along with NCF have been studying the effects of climate change on the coral reefs of Lakshadweep right from 1998 said the earliest signs of coral bleaching was observed in December 2015 but the worst effects were seen as temperatures began rising since April this year and continues till date. Our surveys have shown that every coral reef here is showing moderate to high level of bleaching and in some cases even severe bleaching with average temperatures rising by around two degree Celsius. He added that one reef surveyed in Kavaratti island showed that 87 per cent of coral individuals were bleached.
Arthur explained that corals actually were marine animals. They lived in mutualism with an algae who gave it colour and food. Due to many external factors including rising temperature the algae leaves the corals. This causes the death of the coral along with loss of colour. This phenomenon is known as bleaching. Later Arthur gave the information that I have just returned from the islands a few days ago. We have, thus far only been able to survey coral reefs in four atolls. One of our researchers from the NCF is still on the islands trying to sample as many atolls as possible before the monsoons make it impossible. With any luck, we should be able to survey at least 7 atolls by the middle of May, while that will not be adequate, it is the best we can do with our current resources. He added that surveys will be carried out again post monsoon and it will be only by the end of this year that they will be able to estimate the actual extent of the damage to the coral reefs.
