MMRI Urges Temporary Halt to Land Reclamation and Dredging Amidst Coral Bleaching Crisis

Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) has issued a call for a temporary suspension of land reclamation and dredging activities in response to the escalating occurrence of coral bleaching in the Maldives.

In a statement released on Thursday, MMRI highlighted coral bleaching as a global phenomenon affecting oceans worldwide, as reported by America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI).

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This marks the fourth instance of extensive coral bleaching in the Maldives, with the phenomenon becoming increasingly prevalent globally for the second time in the last decade.

Emphasising the significant impact of reefs on the livelihoods of Maldivians, the statement underscored the necessity for immediate measures to mitigate the effects of global warming on these ecosystems. It stressed the importance of averting any adverse repercussions on the tourism and fisheries sectors, both reliant on healthy reef systems.

MMRI continues to receive reports of coral bleaching, with the issue intensifying since its initial documentation in the Maldives in 1998. While noting a comparatively faster coral recovery rate in the Maldives compared to other nations, the institute cautioned that human activities during such periods could impede the natural recovery process.

Highlighting concerns over ongoing dredging, land reclamation, and beach nourishment projects, MMRI warned of potential harm to reefs, particularly amidst rising ocean temperatures and forecasted coral bleaching events.