Climate Change induced Monsoon variability threatens Bay of Bengal’s marine life: Study | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Climate Change induced Monsoon variability threatens Bay of Bengal’s marine life: Study

Posted 01 May 2025

2 min read

The Study conducted over Bay of Bengal, focusing on centuries to millennia timescales, reported a 50% drop in food availability for marine life due to extreme monsoon events. 

Impact of Climate Change on Marine Ecosystem

  • Reduced Plankton Growth: Extreme monsoon conditions interfere with the vertical movement of nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean to the surface, where plankton flourishes. 
    • Planktons include phytoplankton (tiny plants) and zooplankton (weak-swimming animals), that form the base of the food chain. 
    • They produce their own food releasing oxygen as a byproduct. 
  • Loss of Marine Biodiversity: Climate Change reduces diversity of marine species including fisheries threatening food security
  • Impact Nutrient Supply: Climate Change may reduce wind intensity impacting the mixing of different layers of water. 
  • Ocean Acidification: Climate change causes drop in ocean pH reducing the availability of calcium carbonate required for organisms like corals for their structural integrity. 

Some Initiatives to Safeguard Marine Ecosystems

  • Global
    • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Legal framework for conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. 
    • International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Reducing shipping activities’ impact on marine ecosystem.
  • Indian
    • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Extends protection to  Marine wildlife. 
    • National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems: Comprehensive plan for conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems.
  • Tags :
  • Climate Change
  • Marine Ecosystem
  • Plankton
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