Scientists at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) have found mass sea anemone bleaching off the Agatti island in Lakshadweep group of islands.
- Rising sea surface temperatures disrupt the delicate balance between sea anemones and their symbiotic algae.
- This disruption triggers the expulsion of algae, leading to the whitening of the animals.
- Coral bleaching is not a new phenomenon in the Lakshadweep but sea anemone bleaching has been observed for the first time in the group of islands and is a cause for concern for the health of the local ecological system.
- Bleaching is making sea anemone more susceptible to diseases and increases mortality. The loss of symbiotic algae deprives sea anemones of their primary energy source, compromising their long-term survival.
- Sea anemone is an aquatic animal marked by soft bodies and an ability to sting. They are close associates of corals and live rocks.
- Corals, anemones and jellies are related and all classified in the phylum Cnidaria or “stinging needles.”
- They are found from the tidal zone of all oceans to depths of more than 10,000 metres.
- Sea anemones have no solid skeleton but may secrete a horny covering.
