Study Finds Food for Bay of Bengal’s Marine Life Fell by 50% During Extreme Monsoons

A new study has revealed that food availability for marine life in the Bay of Bengal drops by as much as 50% during periods of extremely strong or weak monsoons. The study, which examined monsoon and productivity data spanning the past 22,000 years, underscores the profound impact of monsoon fluctuations on the region’s marine ecosystem.

The research, conducted by experts from the University of Arizona (USA) and the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), suggests that changes in India’s monsoon patterns could disrupt the delicate balance of marine life in the Bay of Bengal, posing serious threats to food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on marine resources for sustenance.

The Bay of Bengal, one of the world’s most productive marine regions, is estimated to contribute over 7% of the global marine fisheries catch, making it a critical area for global food supply. However, as the study indicates, extreme monsoon conditions—either too strong or too weak—result in a sharp decline in the availability of phytoplankton and other marine food sources, which are the foundation of the marine food web.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, highlight the importance of understanding the long-term effects of monsoon variability on marine ecosystems. They stress the need for proactive measures to protect the region’s marine resources from the impacts of climate change and shifting weather patterns.

This research serves as a warning to both policymakers and local communities to prepare for potential disruptions in marine biodiversity and fisheries, which could have far-reaching economic and social consequences