Dead coral reefs in Shingle Island after the recent blooming of microalgae.   | Photo Credit: handout_e_mail

Scientists found dead Noctiluca scintillans along the shore in the Mandapam region when they conducted the survey.

The absence of secondary algae in the reef areas of Shingle Island confirmed the recent death of these coral colonies due to the smothering effect of the microalgae while settling, they said.

Acropora, Montipora, Pocillopora, Porites, Favia, Favites and Goniastrea were the worst affected coral genera, they said.

“Mortality was high in Acropora and Montipora colonies in Shingle Island, while the Acropora colony was less affected in Krusadai Island,” they observed.

The impact of the bloom was less in the nearby Krusadai Island, the scientists said. Out of 120 colonies observed at the depth of 0.5-4 metres, only 12 colonies of sizes 10-20 cm were found dead on the shoreward side of the island, they said.

A greenish settlement was seen on coral colonies and other benthic communities including macro algae, coralline algae and sponges, the scientists said. “Because of this disturbance, corals started secreting excessive mucus, causing mucus sheathing,” a scientist added.

Mucus sheathing was also found around Pullivasal, Poomarichan, Manoliputti, Manoli and Hare islands in the Mandapam group but the intensity was comparatively less, Mr. Patterson said, citing the survey. Coral reefs in the Kilakarai region had suffered bleaching when a similar severe bloom was witnessed in October 2008, he added.

During the recent survey, the scientists also found the dissolved oxygen content in the reef area in Shingle and Krusadai islands to be between 1 and 2 ml/l and it was between 3 and 4 ml/l in the other islands of the Mandapam group, he said. As the decomposed microalgae cells released toxic ammonia gas, the chances of ciliate propagation which killed fish eggs were high, he said and suggested regular monitoring. The SDMRI, on its part, had taken up continuous monitoring of reef areas and environmental parameters, he said.

Support quality journalism - Subscribe to The Hindu Digital

Please enter a valid email address.

Giraffe numbers across the continent fell 40% between 1985 and 2015, to just under 100,000 animals.

We turn 141! Check out our foundation day offer

Prices to increase soon! Subscribe now for the best prices today!

Support The Hindu's new online experience with zero ads.

Already a user? Sign In