Dying Coral Reefs
"Destructive human activity, rising temperatures in the Arabian Sea and increasing ocean acidification are pushing the coral ecosystem in Lakshadweep to the verge of breakdown" (Sarkar. "The Dying Corals of Lakshadweep." 2019).
The illegal coral mining that has been taking place by pervasive strangers of the area has been severely damaging the corals found in the reefs of Lakshadweep. The corals are stated by some as the "lifeblood of the islands," and the rapid and continuous damaging of such corals within the reef can lead to catastrophic submergence of the island. The rise of sea temperature levels poses an even greater problem to this ecosystem and its biodiversity, especially considering that the Arabian Sea is currently experiencing a rise in sea temperature at a significantly higher rate than the global average. The symbiotic relationship between coral and algae can be disrupted by such a rise in sea temperature, leading to the loss of color of such corals; known as coral bleaching. Corals are progressively reaching this bleached state more frequently with time, which has made them more susceptible to damage and death. The separate fact that oceans are absorbing more amounts of carbon dioxide is also leading to increased acidity within the ocean, another culprit for the color bleaching and consequent damage taking place.
Bleached Acropora
The Effects of Global Warming
"A nearly two-decade-long study by the Oceans and Coasts Program of the Nature Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) has found that the absolute coral cover in these islands has reduced from 51.6% in 1998 to 11% in 2017, a staggering 40% decline" (Arasu. "Global Warming Threatens Lakshadweep’s Coral Reefs." 2018). This conservation program's research found that abrupt rises in ocean temperature that lead to the death of large clusters of coral, known as El Niño events, have been increasing in frequency; the most recent of which occurred in 1998, 2010, and 2016. The persistent presence of these El Niño events has hindered the ability of the corals to recover, which will consequently lead to the damage and gradual loss of habitat for organisms that depend on this ecosystem. This includes the island's population of 70.000 who depend on fishing for a means of support.
The Impact of Tourism
Despite tourism being a main factor in Lakshadweep's economy, it is important to note the consequences it has. Tourism threatens the fragile marine ecosystems of Lakshadweep and amplifies the need for conservation. Habitat degradation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity all result from tourism, and thus, it must be regulated to a minimum.