Understanding the Decline of Lakshadweep's Coral Cover

FAQs on Lakshadweep’s Coral Decline

1. What has happened to Lakshadweep’s coral cover over the last 24 years?

Coral cover in the Lakshadweep archipelago has declined by nearly 50% since 1998, mainly due to repeated marine heatwaves caused by climate change and intensified El Niño events. These disturbances have led to widespread coral bleaching and reduced reef resilience.

2. Which scientific programme led the study and what did it reveal?

The research was conducted under the Oceans and Coasts Programme of the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF). It found that while coral mortality during bleaching events has slightly declined, the rate of coral recovery has slowed after each successive event, revealing growing ecosystem fatigue and stress.

3. What role does climate change play in this coral degradation?

Climate change has increased sea surface temperatures, causing more frequent and intense bleaching events. These effects are amplified during El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) years, leading to prolonged heat exposure and coral die-offs.

4. What is Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) and what did it show for Lakshadweep in 2024?

Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) measures accumulated heat stress experienced by corals over time. In 2024, Lakshadweep recorded 9.2 DHWs—its highest level ever—indicating severe and extended thermal stress responsible for extensive bleaching across the reefs.

5. Why are Lakshadweep’s coral reefs geographically important?

Comprising 12 coral atolls in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep represents one of the world’s most densely populated atoll systems. Its coral reefs are vital for marine biodiversity, coastal protection, fisheries, and local livelihoods, serving as a natural defense against storms and erosion.

6. How do Lakshadweep’s corals respond differently from other reefs?

Contrary to the assumption that all corals react uniformly to thermal stress, the study revealed significant local variations in how Lakshadweep’s reefs respond. Some reefs exhibit partial recovery or resistance, highlighting the importance of site-specific conservation strategies.

7. What has been the community’s reaction to the coral loss?

Local communities, especially in Kavaratti, have reported visible reef degradation. Divers and residents have described the loss of vibrant coral sections following Cyclone Ockhi (2017) and recent heatwaves, impacting fishing, tourism, and traditional livelihoods.

8. What long-term solutions are being proposed?

Experts emphasize that local restoration alone is insufficient. Addressing coral loss requires global climate action—notably reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving ocean governance, and limiting global warming to safeguard coral ecosystems for future generations.

9. Why is protecting these reefs vital for India’s policy priorities?

Coral reefs are crucial for food security, fisheries, and coastal resilience. Their loss threatens economic livelihoods in island territories and undermines India’s commitments to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Reef protection supports both ecological and policy objectives.

10. What can be done at the policy level in India?

• Strengthen marine protected areas and expand reef restoration initiatives.
• Involve local fisher communities in coral monitoring and conservation programmes.
• Integrate reef management into climate adaptation and disaster planning frameworks.
• Promote sustainable, low-impact, and climate-resilient tourism models.