Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
Country Percentage destroyed Percentage destroyed Potential for recovery
prior to 1998 during 1998 bleaching
Bangladesh 20 – 30 None Low
Chagos 1 – 2 70 – 90 Good
India – Gulf of Mannar 25 - 45 60 – 90 Medium – Low
India – Gulf of Kutch 15 – 25 50 - 70 Medium – Low
India – Lakshadweep 5 – 10 70 – 90 Good
India – Andaman &
Nicobar Islands 2 – 5 15 – 25 Good
Maldives 2 – 5 70 – 90 Good – Medium
Sri Lanka 10 – 20 70 – 90 Medium – Low
These estimates were provided by National coral reef leaders in these regions and estimate the
amount of reefs that were irreparably damaged prior to 1998, and those that suffered losses in the
1998 bleaching event, for which there should be good chances of recovery in South Asia.
dominant in all 3 island groups, with branching corals almost completely wiped out in the
Tuticorin group, while only 1-2% survived in the other two island groups. Surveys carried
out by the Zoological Survey of India one year after the bleaching observed patchy coral
recruitment on the mainland coast.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there are 203 coral species, 120 species of algae,
70 species of sponge, 200 species of fish, 8 species of shark, and spiny lobsters on the
islands. More than 1200 fish species have been recorded around the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, and recent random surveys have detected 571 species of reef fish.
Dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles are also known from the islands. The bleaching event had
less impact on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as compared with other coral reef areas
in India. Reports at the time indicated that 80% of live corals were destroyed, however,
recent surveys at 5 different sites report an average of only 20% dead coral cover in shallow
areas with 56% live coral cover and 11% coral rubble.
In the Lakshadweep Islands to date, only 95 hard coral species and 603 fish species
(both reef dwelling and oceanic) have been recorded from Lakshadweep, but
comprehensive biodiversity studies are lacking. Much of the living coral cover around
Lakshadweep was destroyed in the 1998 bleaching event, with estimates ranging from 43%
to 87% loss of live coral cover. Cover declined markedly to about 10% live coral in Kadmat
Island, but there have been no apparent effects on fish populations. The status of many of
the outer coral reefs is known only as anecdotal accounts. (see Bleaching Chapter 2 ).
In the Gulf of Kutch hard coral species diversity is low with only 37 species and a total
absence of ramose growth forms. Reports of bleaching in 1998 vary considerably from
about 70% of live coral loss, to much lower impacts. This highlights the need for permanent
monitoring sites to provide adequate baseline data.
Maldives
Along with the Chagos Archipelago, the Maldives support the greatest diversity of corals
and associated reef organisms in the region, with at least 209 species of stony corals. Coral
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