Coral Reef Conservation: India's Efforts to Protect Climate-Induced Bleaching

Coral bleaching in India has not yet significantly affected the local economy, including tourism and fishing industries. This natural occurrence, caused by global climate change and rising sea temperatures, happens worldwide. Despite the severity of these events, corals have an impressive ability to recover once normal sea conditions return.

In March 2024, coral bleaching was reported in Lakshadweep, although similar events in the previous four years were not significant. The Lakshadweep Administration's Department of Environment & Forest has implemented coral transplantation activities to aid coral recovery. The Integrated Island Management Plan also plays a crucial role in protecting coral reefs in the region.

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) monitors coral bleaching as part of its Long-Term Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Since 2011, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad has provided coral bleaching alerts based on sea surface temperature data.

INCOIS has also extended its services to include marine heat wave monitoring, essential for understanding the variability of marine heat waves in Indian waters. Additionally, INCOIS conducts studies on the coral ecosystems of the Lakshadweep Islands to improve understanding of coral reef dynamics and validate coral bleaching advisory services.

Government’s Initiatives to Protect Coral Bleaching

The Government of India has taken several measures to protect and conserve coral reefs, including barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls. Key regulatory and promotional measures include:

1. Legal Protection: Coral species are listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, providing the highest level of protection to coral reefs.

2. Coastal Regulation: The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, focuses on the conservation and management of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), such as coral reefs. This regulation prohibits developmental activities and waste disposal in fragile coastal ecosystems.

3. Coral Restoration Initiatives: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has initiated a long-term coral restoration program. The Zoological Survey of India's Marine Biological Station has been involved in monitoring and restoring coral ecosystems in Lakshadweep for the past five years.

4. Research and Monitoring: The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has conducted studies to understand ecological changes affecting coral reefs. CMFRI has launched a national project to investigate the resilience potential of various coral reefs in India by integrating advanced climatic modeling, deep-learning, and ecological research. This project aims to develop resilience-based management actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

These efforts highlight India's commitment to protecting its coral reefs and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By integrating scientific research, regulatory measures, and community involvement, India aims to preserve its vital coral ecosystems for future generations.