An alarming marine litter crisis is threatening Lakshadweep’s coastal and coral ecosystems

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. 

Assessing ecological risk

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. 

Coral reefs under siege 

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. 

Expanding tourism amid ecological challenges

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.

Call for immediate action

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. 

Global problem hits home 

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.

In conclusion

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.