Keralam mangrove cover increased over past decade despite 90% loss over five decades
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biodiversity & conservation· Prelims + Mains·
Coastal ecosystem management and satellite monitoring: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
ICAR-CMFRI reported an increase in Keralam's mangrove cover over the last decade (2017-2026) using satellite monitoring to track coastal recovery.
Background
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) compared satellite images from 2017 and 2026 to map mangrove vegetation in Keralam. While the state lost nearly 90% of its mangroves over five decades, the study confirmed a recent decade of growth.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyCMFRI: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute is the body that conducted the mangrove study.
- FactKeralam lost nearly 90% of its mangrove cover over a period of five decades.
- FactThe Bay of Bengal experienced more than 100 marine heatwave events between 1982 and 2023.
- PlaceKeralam: The state where the mangrove recovery and satellite monitoring study was conducted.
Prelims practice question
With reference to mangrove cover in Keralam, consider the following statements:
- The Bay of Bengal experienced fewer than 50 marine heatwave events between 1982 and 2023.
- Keralam lost nearly 90% of its mangrove cover over a period of five decades.
- Satellite monitoring was used to track coastal recovery and mangrove vegetation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The Bay of Bengal experienced more than 100 marine heatwave events.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how satellite-based remote sensing can enhance coastal ecosystem management and climate change adaptation in India's coastal regions.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technological integration: Use of high-resolution satellite imagery for real-time monitoring of carbon-sequestering mangrove ecosystems.
- Ecological resilience: Balancing historical mangrove loss with recent recovery trends to inform coastal protection policies.
- Climate monitoring: Addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves in the Bay of Bengal.
Keywords: Remote Sensing · Mangrove Conservation · Coastal Resilience · Carbon Sequestration · Marine Heatwaves
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Greater flamingos sighted at Bhosga Kere for first time during Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count · 6 November 2026
- Delhi AQI hits 382: Commission invokes stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs with immediate effect · 6 November 2026
- India's Supreme Court permitted manufacture, sale and use of certified "green" firecrackers in Delhi · 6 November 2026
- Supreme Court identifies vehicular emissions as major contributor to Delhi-NCR air pollution · 6 November 2026
- Goa accounts for 113 of 161 marine mammal strandings along Indian coast · 6 November 2026
- APPCB orders enforcement of pollution limits as Visakhapatnam PM10 levels hit 238 micrograms · 6 November 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.