Recovery of a tropical coral reef in the aftermath of a cyclone: insights into postdisturbance dynamics and conservation strategies

Abstract

Over the past decade, the Arabian Sea has witnessed an increase in tropical cyclones during the pre- monsoon and post-monsoon months, resulting in heightened devastation across the vulnerable low-lying coral islands in the Lakshadweep Sea along the southwest coast of India. Our underwater survey-based study—focused on Kavaratti Atoll in the Lakshadweep group, India—provides groundbreaking evidence on the rapid recovery potential of coral reefs following severe cyclonic events, a globally relevant concern given increasing climate change impacts. The observed coral recovery rate was significantly faster than expected, showing that recovery rates can differ in coral reefs of different regions. The recovery was primarily facilitated by quick-growing coral genera such as Pocillopora and Acropora, leading to a shift in the coral assemblage. The recovery by these fast-growing corals highlights their role as early succession species, pivotal in the initial stages of reef recovery. The findings of this study underscore the crucial significance of ongoing monitoring, maintaining reef connectivity, and establishing marine protected areas for the conservation of less-studied remote reef systems.