Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean Status Report 2008

Abstract

Recovery of coral reefs in South Asia over the decade since the mass bleaching in 1998 has been patchy. In many areas coral cover has been increasing at a rather slow pace, but there are also examples of notable coral recovery, such as on the Bar Reef in Sri Lanka and some parts of the western Atoll chain in the Maldives. The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, although devastating in coastal areas in parts of the region, had little significant long-term impact on coral reefs, with the exception of areas where tectonic activity has left reefs exposed or where sediment deposition was very severe. However, direct anthropogenic stress continues to degrade reef areas and in combination with climate change poses an unprecedented threat both to coral reefs and the people that depend on them. To mitigate ecological, social and economic impacts on a large scale much more effort is required to improve management effectiveness, reduce direct stress and promote adaptation on reefs. This should include the application of resilience principles in addressing coral reefs and associated ecosystems as well as natural resource dependent and coastal communities, e.g. by promoting sustainable livelihoods enhancement and diversification.