Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs in South Asia
Maldives
Most of the reefs here are better protected than other reefs in South Asia; mainly because
most are isolated from human activity. The main damage to reefs occurs around those islands
that are heavily populated and where there is a high level of development. Impacts on the
reefs include coral mining, pollution, dredging of channels for boats, coastal construction,
increased reef fisheries and the crown-of-thorns starfish. Coral mining has lowered the reef flat
around the capital of Male, such that concrete walls have been constructed to prevent
shoreline erosion. Construction of wharves, groynes and breakwaters have resulted in
increased erosion around some tourist resorts. However, the total reef area damaged due to
human activities is relatively small compared to the extensive reefs present in the Maldives.
Pakistan
Although there are no extensive coral formations, marine life is affected by high levels of
sedimentation, freshwater runoff, pollution from urban and industrial wastes, sewage
discharge and dredging. Collection of marine organisms as souvenirs and for use in
traditional medicines also has adverse impacts.
Sri Lanka
The major causes of reef degradation are: coral mining, sedimentation, destructive fishing
practices (such as blast fishing), the use of bottom set nets, uncontrolled resource
exploitation, including harvesting of ornamental fish and invertebrates, pollution from land
based sources, and crown-of-thorns starfish. Site specific coral reef damage is associated
with glass bottom boats, boat anchoring, destructive collecting techniques for ornamental
species, urban pollution, coastal and harbour development, and high visitor pressure
(causing damage through trampling and coral removal). Coastal erosion along the
southwest and southern coasts has increased levels of sedimentation on the reefs. Rapid
increases in the abundance of organisms such as tunicates, corallimorphs and algae
(halimeda, caulerpa and filamentous algae) has smothered shallow reefs in certain
locations, particularly following the bleaching events of 1998.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND IMPACTS
Predicted climate change impacts in South Asia include sea level rise and potential
increases in the frequency and intensity of cyclones and storms, all of which will have
adverse impacts on coastal areas. The most vulnerable areas are atolls and low-lying coastal
regions, particularly deltas with mangrove swamps, wetlands, seagrass beds and sandy
beaches that are prone to erosion, as well as highly developed coastal installations, such as
harbours and ports. Cyclones, storms and heavy rainfall already have major impacts in the
Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh and India). In other areas, coral reefs play a vital role in
protecting shorelines and if their health deteriorates further, they may cease to protect
shorelines from rising sea levels.
Seawater temperatures in the Indian Ocean have risen by 0.12 o C per decade during the last
50 years. A continued increase will have significant impacts on coral reefs, ocean
circulation, nutrients, primary production and fisheries. Increases in sea surface
temperatures, and a cessation of the trade winds associated with the 1998 El Niño
phenomena led to widespread coral bleaching and destruction of coral reefs in South Asia.
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