Other threats

Crown-of-Thorns (COT), Acanthaster planci starfish has also caused considerable damage to reefs of Lakshadweep islands (White and Rajasuriya 1995; Rajasuriya et al., 1999). But no impact of COT was noted in the present survey.

Tuna Fishing
The methods used to catch live baits for tuna fishing is found to damage the reefs and lead to reduction in live bait stocks which have an impact on the local economy since the tuna fishery is the major industry in the islands. In Lakshadweep only a subsistence of reef fishery exists (Rajasuriya, 2000). Over exploitation of fish resources is another threat which has to be seriously taken into consideration.

Tourism
Tourism is an important source of income for the Islands’ population and Lakshadweep is becoming increasingly popular with both domestic and foreign tourists. Their numbers and activities are carefully monitored and controlled, which otherwise will be a threat to the ecology of the islands. Carelessness by tourists can disturb bird breeding colonies, damage corals while reef-walking and also cause pollution because of garbage and sewage waste. Reef based tourism which is an important source of foreign exchange is seen only to a lesser extent in Lakshadweep islands in fear of environmental pollution and the demolition of their conservative Muslim culture.

Click to know more:

• Project Abstract
• Oil Spillage
• Pollution
• Coral bleaching
• Highlights of the findings achieved in the project
• Detailed report of work done on the project
• Description of the study areas
• Recommendation including remedial measures
• Impacts of the work on the scientific potential of our country