Researchers at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochi have recorded widespread bleaching events affecting the coral reefs in the Lakshadweep Sea. Surveys held at various  Lakshadweep islands have noted that the hard coral species have undergone severe bleaching, primarily due to prolonged periods of marine heatwaves affecting the region since October last year. Scientists warned that if heat stress continued, it could precipitate an unprecedented biodiversity crisis due to multi-species mortality. They said marine heat waves and coral bleaching pose threats to the livelihoods of coastal communities, tourism and fisheries sectors besides endangering critical marine habitats.