In a worrying environmental discovery, scientists in Kerala have reported that approximately 70% of the coral reef area in Lakshadweep has undergone extensive bleaching. This bleaching is a result of rising sea temperatures and environmental stressors, which threaten the delicate marine ecosystem of the region.
Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting marine life. The bleaching, which occurs when coral polyps expel the algae that give them their color and provide nutrients, leaves the reefs vulnerable to disease, reduced growth, and even death.
Experts are calling for urgent conservation measures to protect the reefs, which are vital for the local economy, particularly in sectors such as tourism and fishing. With the rise in ocean temperatures linked to climate change, this discovery underscores the need for stronger environmental policies and community involvement in preserving Lakshadweep’s fragile ecosystem.