Coral degradation is the talk of the tongue for the ecologists around the world. Many researches have been done on the corals of Saint Martin’s and the Island’s ecosystem. They have discussed the problems and proposed solutions for those. But implication of those steps are rarely seen. Though Bangladesh Government recently took a step for controlling tourism, it was withdrawn almost immediately.
St. Martin’s Island is identified as one of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas in Bangladesh has suffered deforestation thrice in this century. On the other hand the extractable natural resources also depleting very quickly. Government of Bangladesh has passed a gazette notification saying that a marine park will be developed on the island. Based on the environmental data (i.e., surface seawater temperature, salinity and turbidity) collected, it is concluded that natural environmental conditions around Narikel Jinjira are marginal for the development and survival of coral communities, and sub-optimal for the development of coral reefs.
This study should be followed by a one year monitoring program to obtain a better picture of the environmental conditions during the full year cycle. The rainy season is a critical benchmark for environmental conditions and an appropriate environmental monitoring program should be implemented before any large scale development proceeds on Narikel Jinjira. It is, therefore, essential that all future development activities pay close attention to environmental management, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) should be required for all major projects, including tourism development.
The management and conservation activities are not followed properly, where users of the island still haphazardly utilise the natural resources of coral reef. The destruction of habitat and over-exploitation of these resources have resulted in decaling the biodiversity as well as degradation of coastal and island ecosystems. There is lack of awareness among the resource users about the interaction of various coastal components and they do not have enough knowledge about the resource and its importance, utilization and conservation. Studies revealed that in addition to the declaration of ECA by Ministry of Environment, Bangladesh, new scientific studies should be planned for the Saint Martin’s Island, since the unique and dynamic nature of the inter-tidal and sub-tidal rocky habitats offers excellent research opportunities for the national and international scientists as a global interest of coral reef biodiversity. At present, there is not much data or information on the present status of corals and associated flora and fauna in St. Martin's. No one is using currently available state of the art technology and no 'Coastal Zone Management Unit' exits in this island. So, proper implementation of the rules and regulations for 'Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA's)', declaration and implementation of ‘Marine Protected Area (MPA)' as suggested by Tomasik (1997) and other experts in 'Eco-tourism -- St. Martin's Island’, control of pollution, sustainable and controlled tourism, alternative livelihood for the local people, and further research should be immediately undertaken for sustainable utilisation and to save rich biodiversity of this only coral island of Bangladesh. Still there may be time to save the biodiversity and fish resources of this island; otherwise, it may be too late. So, all the stakeholders including government policymakers should come forward to save the marine biodiversity of this important island and the livelihood of the local people.
Mass tourism, sewage and waste disposal in the island are the main human activities for coral bleaching. As coral bleaching is an issue that attracts strong interest from the public, the media and decision makers, therefore coral reef managers have to provide up to date information concerning coral bleaching event and its impacts. The main cause for coral bleaching in Saint Martin's island is elevated sea temperatures. Coral bleaching is due to warmer than normal temperatures causing zooxanthellae to become super-sensitive to light (photoinhibition). With the global temperatures rising due to climate change, coral bleaching events will occur more frequently. Coral reefs are also threatened by the changes in the alkalinity of sea water by rising sea levels. The reefs of Saint Martin's island face a large amount of stress, making them less and less resilient to a coral bleaching event. The coral reef may be dysfunctional in the near future. Saint Martin's is very dependent on its reefs. This makes it important to be prepared for a bleaching event and to have a Coral Bleaching Response Plan.