Over the past two decades, Lakshadweep’s coral cover has declined by nearly 50% since 1998. This decline is primarily attributed to repeated marine heatwaves triggered by climate change and recurring El Niño events, which have caused large-scale coral bleaching.
The study was conducted under the Oceans and Coasts Programme of the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF). It revealed that while coral mortality during bleaching events has reduced over time, the rate of coral recovery has slowed significantly after each successive event, suggesting growing ecosystem stress.
Climate change has intensified ocean warming, leading to more frequent and prolonged coral bleaching. During El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phases, sea temperatures rise even higher, placing additional thermal stress on coral ecosystems.
Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) is a metric used to quantify the cumulative heat stress experienced by coral reefs. In 2024, Lakshadweep recorded 9.2 DHWs—its highest ever reading—indicating severe and prolonged warming that led to widespread coral bleaching across the islands.
Lakshadweep’s 12 atolls form one of the most densely populated coral island systems in the world. These reefs are vital for marine biodiversity, fisheries productivity, and coastal protection, making them a cornerstone of ecological and economic stability in the Arabian Sea region.
The study found that coral response to thermal stress varies significantly across Lakshadweep’s reefs, even over short distances. This contradicts the assumption that all coral ecosystems react uniformly to climate-induced stress, indicating a need for site-specific management strategies.
Local communities, especially in Kavaratti and nearby islands, have expressed deep concern. Divers, fishers, and residents have witnessed entire reef sections turning lifeless after extreme events such as Cyclone Ockhi (2017), affecting both livelihoods and cultural identity linked to the sea.
Scientists emphasize that local mitigation efforts alone are insufficient. While reef tourism regulation and community awareness help, global climate action—particularly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming—is essential to ensure coral survival.
Coral reefs are crucial for food security, coastal resilience, and marine livelihoods. Their degradation weakens disaster preparedness and threatens India’s commitments to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Preserving reefs aligns with India’s broader blue economy and climate adaptation strategies.
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