A study has revealed a growing environmental crisis in India’s only coral atoll system — Lakshadweep.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier), highlights the alarming levels of marine litter (ML), predominantly plastic, which is threatening the region’s fragile coastal biodiversity and coral reef ecosystems. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions and sustainable waste management strategies to safeguard this ecologically significant region.
The study, the first of its kind in Lakshadweep, was conducted across 28 beaches and three lagoon reef stations on Kavaratti Island. Researchers documented a staggering 32,710 litter items, categorised into 11 types, with an average density of 0.82 ± 0.80 items per square meter.
Alarmingly, plastic waste emerged as the most dominant category, accounting for 63.7 per cent of the total litter. Public littering was identified as the primary source, contributing to 43 per cent of the pollution.
These figures reveal a distressing trend—marine litter accumulation is increasing rapidly, posing an existential threat to the region’s ecological balance. The high prevalence of plastic underscores the pressing need for stringent measures to regulate waste disposal and minimize plastic use in this fragile ecosystem.
To evaluate the severity of the marine litter crisis, the researchers recognised multiple environmental indexes, including: Clean Coast Index (CCI), Plastic Abundance Index (PAI), Hazardous Litter Index (HLI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Environmental Status Index (ESI). The results paint a grim picture. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) for the lagoon reef ecosystem stood at an alarming 53.4, categorising it as a "highly perilous" zone for coral reefs. This indicates a severe ecological risk, calling for immediate and effective management interventions.
Lakshadweep's coral reef ecosystems, crucial for biodiversity and local livelihoods, are bearing the brunt of the marine litter crisis. The study found that approximately 1.73 ± 0.46 litter items per square meter were trapped within the coral reefs. Additionally, 5.94 per cent ± 0.18 per cent of coral colonies, particularly those of the Porites genus, were found to be in direct contact with marine litter.
The impact on coral health is severe: 59.37 per cent of affected coral colonies showed signs of disease and tissue loss while 14.86 per cent exhibited partial bleaching or paling, indicating severe stress.
This heightened interaction between marine litter and coral reefs threatens coral recruitment, growth, and survival. Without immediate intervention, the degradation of these reefs could have cascading effects on marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities who depend on them for sustenance.
Lakshadweep is on the brink of significant tourism expansion, with the government planning to boost eco-tourism initiatives. However, before tourism infrastructure is implemented, it is crucial to establish a robust waste management system. Without proper solid waste disposal and recycling facilities, an increase in tourist activities could exacerbate the marine litter crisis, further endangering coral reefs and coastal biodiversity.
Responsible tourism must be prioritized to ensure that tourism development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. Sustainable tourism practices, such as waste segregation, plastic-free zones, and eco-friendly accommodations, should be enforced from the outset. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts and promoting eco-conscious tourism policies will be essential in protecting Lakshadweep’s fragile ecosystem.
The study emphasises the need for urgent, region-specific strategies to tackle marine litter pollution in Lakshadweep. Key recommendations include:
• Ban and phase out single-use plastics across Lakshadweep to curb plastic pollution at its source.
• Improve waste management infrastructure by installing fully functional waste processing facilities, composting units, and recycling centers.
• Enhance waste transportation systems to ensure non-biodegradable waste is effectively removed from the islands and transported to authorized recycling facilities on the mainland.
• Repair and upgrade incinerators, as most waste incinerators on the islands are currently non-functional and in disrepair.
• Conduct periodic clean-up drives and awareness campaigns to educate local communities, tourists, and stakeholders about responsible waste disposal practices.
The marine litter crisis in Lakshadweep mirrors a global environmental catastrophe. Plastic pollution in marine ecosystems is an escalating issue worldwide, with devastating consequences for oceanic biodiversity and ecological stability. However, coral atolls like Lakshadweep are particularly vulnerable due to their unique ecological characteristics. Unlike other coastal regions, atolls are isolated and lack natural waste degradation processes, making them more susceptible to pollution.
The study provides crucial baseline data on anthropogenic environmental pollution in Lakshadweep’s coral habitat, offering valuable insights for future research and conservation initiatives. These findings are expected to guide the Lakshadweep administration and policymakers in formulating timely strategies to manage marine litter pollution effectively and protect these ecologically significant coral atoll habitats.
This research serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, environmental organisations, and the public. A multi-pronged approach involving stringent waste regulations, strengthened waste management infrastructure, and extensive public awareness campaigns is essential to combat the growing marine litter crisis.
With Lakshadweep poised for tourism expansion, the government must take decisive steps to establish proper waste management systems before large-scale tourist activities commence. Without proactive intervention, the islands’ natural treasures could be lost forever. As the world grapples with the plastic pollution crisis, Lakshadweep stands as a testament to the urgent need for sustainable and responsible waste management practices.
The time to act is now — before this ecological paradise is irrevocably damaged.
The author is the lead researcher at Cochin University of Science and Technology.
Views expressed are author's own and do not necessarily reflect that of Down To Earth.