Coral Reef

2023's marine heatwaves signal early irreversible coral damage: Study

Marine heatwaves -- prolonged periods of raised ocean temperatures than what are typical for that time of year -- experienced in 2023 were not only unprecedented, but may have also signalled a potential climate tipping point, with irreversible, negative impacts to coral reefs and ecosystems, according to a new study. Researchers from China and the US found that regions in oceans across the globe, including the North Atlantic, and the tropical, south and north Pacific experienced extreme marine heatwaves -- the longest in duration, widest in extent and highest in intensity on record. The findings, published in the journal Science, show that the most intense warming occurred in the North Atlantic, tropical eastern Pacific, north Pacific, and southwest Pacific, which "collectively accounted for 90 per cent of the global ocean warming". Heatwaves in the North Atlantic which began mid-2022 persisted for 525 days with an intensity four times the typical, making it "the longest recorded ..

Why did China declare sovereignty over a disputed reef in South China Sea?

This development comes at a time when Philippine and US troops are conducting their annual military exercises, which include preparation for potential South China Sea conflicts

Marine heat causes record-high coral bleaching in Lakshadweep Sea

In Lakshadweep, the Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator, which measures accumulated heat stress, has surged above 4 °C-weeks

Explained: How coral bleaching threatens Lakshadweep's marine ecosystem

A survey across various Lakshadweep islands revealed significant bleaching in a notable portion of hard coral species, mainly attributed to a prolonged marine heatwave since late October 2023

TN announces policy to restore coastal resources, capitalise blue economy

Taking forward its pioneering initiatives in nature conservation, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced the 'TN-SHORE', a mission to restore coastal resources across 14 districts covering 1,076 km. Presenting the Budget Estimates for 2024-25 in the Assembly, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu said about Rs 1,675 crore has been sanctioned to the mission, titled 'Neithal Meetchi Iyakkam' which would enhance biodiversity by protecting coasts, improve livelihoods of local communities, and contain pollution in those areas. "This initiative will capitalise on the potential of the Blue Economy and will primarily focus on the restoration of mangroves, coral reefs, and salt marshes," he said. It will take up the conservation of mangroves besides reviving coral reefs at Kariyachalli islands in the Gulf of Mannar. Additionally, works are underway to establish a sprawling botanical garden in Kadambur, Chengalpattu, spanning 137 acres, at a cost of Rs 345 crore, in collaboration with ..

High ocean temperatures harming Florida coral reef, crews race to help

Steps away from the warming waters of Florida Bay, marine biologist Emily Becker removed covers from the dozens of water-filled tanks under her watchful eye. Nestled in seawater carefully maintained at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) lay hundreds of pieces of coral some a sickly white from the bleaching that threatens to kill them, others recovered to a healthy bright iodine in colour. As Becker looked over the coral, crews of reef rescue groups arrived in trucks carrying more brought up by divers in a massive effort aimed at saving the coral from an ocean that is cooking it alive. People jumped into action really quickly, as best as they could, Becker said, wiping sweat from her brow. Up and down the chain of islands that form the Florida Keys, coral rescue groups and government and academic institutions have mobilized to save the coral from a historic bleaching event that experts say threatens the viability of the third-largest reef tract in the world. They've

Covid-19 pandemic caused lack of communication skills in babies: Research

A recent study by the Harvard Medical School revealed that children born in 2020 lack the necessary communication skills due to Covid-19 Pandemic

Australia's Great Barrier Reef coral cover at record levels: Report

Large sections of Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR) now have an unprecedented amount of coral, according to a new report published

Secretive Israel-UAE oil deal endangers prized Eilat coral diversity

The Red Sea reefs off the Israeli resort of Eilat host some of the greatest coral diversity on the planet.

Great Barrier Reef has lost over half of its corals in 3 decades: Report

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which is the largest reef system in the world, has lost more than half of its coral population in the past three decades, according to a new study

India will work with G-20 nations to make world a better place: Javadekar

India is committed to working with the G-20 nations for making the world a better place and applauds the launch of the Global Initiative to reduce land degradation and coral reef programme

World's coral reefs are under heat stress, but don't give up on them yet

In 2016, two-thirds of corals on the northern Great Barrier Reef did die in just six months

Power of attraction may help protect Great Barrier Reef

Scientists have found a new way that could help protect Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef