Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), is conducting coral reef survey, monitoring and restoration work from 2000 onwards in association with Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The Institute collected detailed baseline data of entire reef areas in Gulf of Mannar (GOM) during 2003-2005. The status of corals is GOM was 37% in 2005, which increased to 39% in 2015, but in 2016 climate change caused bleaching due to the severe 3rd global bleaching event resulted in 16% coral mortality and reduced the coral status to 23%.
Detailed database and documentation on coral bleaching and the subsequent mortality in 2016 have been developed through the project funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India titled Coastal habitats rehabilitation for Climate Change Adaptation in Gulf of Mannar, South-eastern India: Improving ecosystem services and fisher livelihood under the Climate Change Action Plan in respect of Tamil Nadu
Presently, SDMRI is conducting post bleaching monitoring in Gulf of Mannar covering the reef areas in Gulf of Mannar to document the status, recovery, recruitment and health including diseases.
Objectives:
Documenting and reporting the post bleaching coral status, recovery, recruitment and health including diseases to Governments (Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu) in order to help in the decision making on conservation and management issues
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Integrated Coastal Management
- Other (please specify): Coral status, health and recovery after bleaching
Quantification
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Type of commitment
- Research capacity development
- Data access and sharing
- Scientific cooperation
December 2018
