Context:
National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) has started the investigation on the issue of sea turning red in Puducherry.
Key Points:
- Cause – Harmful algal bloom (HABs) which are red in colour.
- It is caused by dinoflagellates (microscopic algae).
- Impacts –
- HAB’s produce toxins that kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat.
- It depletes levels of oxygen in the water, which can kill the living creatures.
- It can block sunlight from reaching organisms deeper in the water.
- Reason for Red Tides –
- Anthropogenic influences like sewage mixing into the sea
- Reversal of ocean currents
- Increased concentration of nutrients in the coastal waters
Algal bloom is a rapid increase in the population of algae in freshwater or marine water systems. While most of them are beneficial as they form basis of ocean food web, some are harmful and toxic.
About National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR):
- Ministry – Ministry of Earth Sciences
- Origin – Established as Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM-PD) in 1998
- In 2018, ICMAM-PD was designated as the NCCR.
- Objectives –
- To develop and improve the country’s capabilities in addressing the challenging problems prevailing in the coastal zone.
- To offer scientific and technical support to coastal communities for integrated and sustainable use of resources towards the socio-economic benefit of the society.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
