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Posted 07 May 2024

2 min read

  • ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has found that Lakshadweep has been affected by MHWs since October 2023, resulting in coral bleaching. 
    • Primary causes of these MHWs are changes in ocean currents and excessive heat transfer into atmosphere, which results in abnormally high water temperatures.
    • Coral bleaching happens when corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white. It is mainly caused due to changes in temperature, light, or nutrients

 

About MHWs

  • It is defined when seawater temperatures exceed a seasonally-varying threshold (usually the 90th percentile) for at least 5 consecutive days.
  • MHWs can last for weeks, months or even years.

 

Impacts of MHWs

  • MHWs can cause extreme weather events such as tropical storms and hurricanes.
  • Reduction in monsoon rainfall over Central India.
  • Native species are forced to migrate to cooler waters, and invasive species such as sea urchins, jellyfish etc. thrive.
  • Higher temperatures, combined with water de-oxygenation, can lead to toxic algal bloom.
  • Livelihood loss due to increased mortality of economically important species.
  • Biodiversity and Habitat loss due to food web disruption.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) 

  • Genesis: Established under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 1947 and later it joined ICAR in 1967.
  • Headquarter: Kochi, Kerala
  • About: Emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world.
  • Mandate 
    • Monitor and assess marine fisheries resources of Exclusive Economic Zone including impact of climate and anthropogenic activity.
    • Act as a repository of geo-spatial information on marine fishery resources and habitats.
  • Tags :
  • CMFRI
  • Marine Heatwaves
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