After the Great Barrier reef, Maldives is the new victim of climate change. About 60% of the once-pristine coral reefs of the Maldives have been bleached and in some area this figures reaches to 90%. The study was conducted by the Maldives Marine Research Centre and the Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Indian Ocean archipelago is known for its colorful coral gardens but The Ocean Agency says that a strong El Nino phenomena is giving rise to bleaching event and some of the country’s most treasured reefs are now barely recognizable. According to the Guardian, The Maldives contains around 3% of the world’s coral reefs and the islands are considered particularly at risk of climate change because they are low-lying and threatened by sea level rises. The bleaching event is becoming more frequent these days due to sudden global climate change. It happens due to warmer sea temperature that forces corals to expel algae, that gives them color. Bleaching events are becoming more frequent and more severe due to global climate change, says Dr. Ameer Abdulla, research team leader and Senior Advisor to IUCN on Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Science. Our survey was undertaken at the height of the 2016 event and preliminary findings of the extent of the bleaching are alarming, with initial coral mortality already observed. We are expecting this mortality to increase if bleached corals are unable to recover. As part of our management guidance to local communities and resorts, we have emphasised the importance of reducing local stressors such as sedimentation, pollution and overfishing of herbivores, says Mr. Naeem Ibrahim, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency. Local management actions can build the resilience of coral reefs thus helping them to survive this national bleaching event. Practices such as dredging, sand replenishment, and fishing or purchasing of herbivorous fish such as parrotfish and surgeonfish which are essential for reef recovery are strongly discouraged. Reef users are urged to minimise adverse impacts to corals during this sensitive and critical time.
2016 India Live Today