Marine Heatwaves Trigger Widespread Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep Sea
Marine heatwaves in the Lakshadweep Sea have triggered widespread coral bleaching, severely impacting the region’s marine biodiversity. Conducted by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), surveys reveal that prolonged abnormal ocean temperatures since late October 2023 have stressed coral reefs, causing significant bleaching. Scientists attribute these heatwaves to excessive atmospheric heat transfer and shifts in ocean currents, posing a threat not only to coral reefs but also to other vital marine habitats like seagrass meadows. The ecological damage risks the collapse of local marine food webs and substantial economic losses for fisheries and tourism. Urgent conservation and climate change mitigation efforts are necessary to address these challenges.
