Marine Research Center has requested that authorities temporarily halt reclamation work due to coral bleaching.

The research center, run under the fisheries ministry, stated in a press release that the current rise in temperature may lead to coral bleaching.

It stated that the latest data on United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service program shows that Maldives is on “Watch Level 4” and predicts that it might rise to “Warning Level,” adding that some southern parts of Maldives is already on “Alert Level 1”.

At this time of accelerated coral bleaching in Maldives, the research center warned that manmade efforts such as reclamation and beach nourishment would hinder the corals’ healing process during this time of accelerated bleaching.

The research center warned that damage to the corals would affect Maldives’ top source of income, which are tourism and fishing.