Parliament Question: Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event
Parliament Question: Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event
In India, the Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event (GCBE4) has impacted regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and the Gulf of Kachchh.
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Coral Reef Areas of India faced Fourth Global Coral Bleaching
Bleaching impact
Cause of Bleaching
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Observed small scale bleaching in the Andaman region only especially South Andaman region
Increase in sea surface temperature: El Niño effect
Gulf of Mannar
Small scale bleaching in some patchy areas
Increase in sea surface temperature: El Niño effect
Lakshadweep
Widespread bleaching
Increase in sea surface temperature: El Niño effect
The Government of India has launched several programs using advanced technologies like satellite imagery to manage and protect coral reef ecosystems:
The Zoological Survey of India is dedicated to monitor the India’s coral reefs through various efforts such as LTPMPs, Coral Restoration, Coral Transplantation, research on the reproductive biology of scleractinian corals, studies on bleaching-resistant corals and zooxanthellae, and more.
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Coral Reef Areas
Coral Bleaching Status 2023-24
Post Bleaching Status
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
15-18% in South Andaman Islands only
Most of the reefs recovered. Studies are going on to record the status
Gulf of Mannar
27%
Most of the reefs recovered. Studies are going on to record the status
Lakshadweep
84.6%
Some of the reefs recovered. Studies are under progress to record the status
Preliminary results from the project on Inventory of Indian Coral Reefs by SAC, Ahemedabad indicates apparent loss of reef area for Malvan reef in Maharashtra over a period of thirteen years (2007 to 2020). The same condition is observed for four reefs (Koswari, Nalla Tanni Tivu, Pichaimoopan Valasai and Shingle reef) over a period of twelve to fourteen years (2004/05 to 2018) out of the eleven reefs mapped for Gulf of Mannar.
The Government of India has taken the following initiatives in order to reduce the stress faced by coral reefs of the Indian subcontinent:
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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