Climate Change and Threat to Coral Reefs of Lakshadweep, Laccadive Sea: An Analysis through Legal Lens

¹ G.D. Goenka University, Haryana, India
² Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, India

^* Corresponding author: smitapparashar@gmail.com

Abstract

Coral reefs are the most diverse marine habitat and support an estimated 0.5 million species worldwide. Even minor changes in the ambient environment could affect the health of entire coral colonies. The changes in the ambient environment may be due to a variety of factors and are generally categorized as natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Considering anthropogenic disturbances, the threat to coral reefs is mainly because of 4 reasons: overfishing, pollution, sedimentation and global warming. In an urge to increase sales and the quest for earning money, fishermen often fish frequently. This leads to reduction in the fish population and disturbs the ecosystem. The dumping of non-degradable waste, plastics, micro plastics, etc deprives marine animals and plants from the breathing space. Sedimentation is seen as an effect of the cause called global warming. India has recently stated legal recourse to protection of coral reefs. The article accesses the threat associated with coral reefs and global warming with the help of analysis of challenges encountered by aquatic life of island of Lakshadweep situated in Laccadive Sea. As part of the research process, an initial survey was taken among 49 Lakshadweep residents aged between 18 and 45 years to evaluate local awareness and attitude towards coral reef conservation. The questionnaire method yielded indicative results regarding public perception of coral bleaching, the ecological importance of reefs, and the perceived necessity for tighter regulation of harmful human practices. The study is conducted also analysing the laws and policies implemented by countries working on conservation of coral reefs. The paper also tries to find solution to the issues and provide suggestions after gathering the effective mechanisms adopted by countries like Australia and America who are pioneer bringing laws with effective implementation to conserve and protect the coral reefs.