NEWS

• A 24-year study (1998–2022) by the Nature Conservation Foundation reveals a 50% reduction in coral cover in Lakshadweep.
• Published in Diversity and Distributions, the study analyzed reefs across Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cause: Repeated Marine Heatwaves

• Coral decline is largely due to repeated marine heatwaves, intensified by climate change and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events (1998, 2010, 2016).
• Coral cover dropped from 37.24% to 19.6% over 24 years.

Role of Local Conditions

• Reef responses varied based on:
  • Wave exposure
  • Coral depth
  • Bleaching frequency
• Recovery improved only after 6 years of heatwave-free periods, showing time is critical.

Predictive Framework Introduced

• Corals showed six distinct response clusters based on:
  • Heatwave impact
  • Recovery rate
  • Reef exposure (sheltered vs. exposed)
  • Depth
• These clusters help predict future reef vulnerability or resilience.

 Climate Warning

• Researchers stress that global climate action is critical.
• Local restoration alone cannot prevent reef loss.
• Without reduced heatwave frequency, tropical reefs face irreversible damage.