Pune scuba diver studies coral reefs

Rucha Karkarey says we must do all we can to curb global warming

Global warming is making a strong and adverse impact on the Indian fisheries and tourism business. This is what city-based zoologist Rucha Karkarey, an adventurous scuba diver, who has focussed her studies on global warming and its effect on coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, has observed.



Life under water

Rucha's passion for scuba diving has led her to delve deep into the underwater world and study the impending threats that sea life is currently facing. "Estimating the actual loss is currently a part of myu00a0 study. The impact is sizable and the statistics will be ready soon," said Rucha.

A former student of Fergusson College, Rucha is now pursuing her Master's degree at James Cook University in Australia. She had earlier completed her courses in Advance Open Water Scuba Diving and PADI Rescue Diving respectively at Dive India, Goa. Diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2007, she had also conducted a survey on reef checks in Australia.

Rucha's passion is studying the ecological dynamics between trophic levels in coral reef eco-systems, community dynamics, predator-prey interactions and behavioural ecology of reef fishes.

She said, "We cannot stop the impact of global warming on reefs in the Indian Ocean, but can minimise the extrinsic disturbances of pollution and sedimentation and protect functionally important species. We must also abolish the rampant use of cyanide and blast fishing practices."u00a0

Fish affected

Global warming had impacted coral reefs. This has led to a reduction of quantity of small ornamental fish for aquarium trade. "This hasu00a0 a direct impact on the reduction of fish caught for this purpose," Rucha said.
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"It also affected the attractiveness of scuba diving activity and ultimately the tourism business, she added.

A rise in 1.3 degree Celsius in the seawater temperature also accelerates the development of the species. "At least we must curtail fishing trade during the reproductive season," said Rucha.

Predicted global climate change by 2010

Average air temperature increase by 2-4 degree C.

Average sea surface temperature increases by 1-3 degree C.

Sea level rise from 0.5-0.9 m

High intensity droughts, floods and cyclones

Ocean acidification