10-50 Years Remain For Corals Of Andaman Islands, Nicobar Coast - Warming, Acidification

[hatrack]

Climate change and a rise in sea temperature may result in the disappearance of reef-building corals along the Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar coasts in 10 to 50 years. The distribution and harvest of different fish species in the Indian seas and major river systems may also alter perceptibly. Sea surface temperature is anticipated to rise about three degrees by the end of this century. This is likely to impact marine flora and fauna in a major way.

This has been indicated by studies conducted under an elaborate “national network project” on assessing the impact of global warming and climate change on the Indian agro-ecosystems, launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Around 15 research institutes are studying how agriculture, fisheries, livestock and other sectors will be affected and what can be done to mitigate the effect.

Coral reefs are known to be highly sensitive to climate influences and are among the most vulnerable of all marine living beings to temperature changes. Reef-building corals are currently the dominant creatures in the coral diversity in the Indian seas. he ICAR studies have projected that the reef-building corals are likely to fade away as dominant organisms between 2020 and 2040 in the Lakshadweep region and between 2050 and 2060 in the Andaman and Nicobar waters.

These projections have taken into account only the effect of warming of ocean water. But since the rise in water temperature is also likely to be accompanied by an increase in the acidity of sea water, the adverse effect on corals may actually be worse. Higher acidity would dissolve the calcium carbonate that forms the skeleton of the reefs.

EDIT

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/andamans-l%5Cdweep-may-lose-reef-building-corals/375011/

[Taverner]

1. But Jayzus wants us to rape and pilliage them!

So sayeth Sister Annie Coulter