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<p>Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and ecologically vital ecosystems on the planet, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, overfishing, and coastal development. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of methodologies for coral reef health monitoring, with a special focus on reef systems in South India, namely the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Lakshadweep archipelago. The study categorizes monitoring techniques into three primary approaches: traditional field-based surveys, remote sensing technologies, and computationally driven innovations, including machine learning (ML). Case studies demonstrate their application: line intercept transects provide species-level coral cover data but cover only about 50 to 100&#xa0;m transects per dive; UAV surveys have mapped up to 40 hectares of reef in under 30&#xa0;min; satellite monitoring (NOAA Coral Reef Watch) achieved &gt; 80% accuracy in predicting bleaching events; and image classifiers that use ML enhancements such as CoralNet have reported &gt; 85% precision in benthic cover annotation. Microbial indicators are shown to detect stress responses weeks before visual bleaching, highlighting their predictive potential. The review critically evaluates the strengths, limitations, costs, and applicability of each method across reef contexts (shallow vs. deep, turbid vs. clear waters), with particular reference to South Indian reefs. Furthermore, it explores the integration of emerging tools that include AI driven ROVs, microbial diagnostics, and hyperspectral imaging into hybrid monitoring systems, while addressing challenges of data governance, socioeconomic feasibility, and policy adoption. Coral reef loss is discussed in detail such as the significant loss in the Great Barrier Reef in relation to mass bleaching but also due to recurrent Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks and declining water quality, emphasizing the multifactorial pressures on reef systems globally. By linking technical innovations with management frameworks, the present review supports the development of scalable, intelligent, and regionally adaptive monitoring strategies for coral reef conservation.</p>

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A comprehensive literature review on coral reef health monitoring: techniques, status, and emerging trends with special focus on South India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月24日

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  • R. Pandiyarajan,
  • K. Manohar,
  • Ameed Nazhurudeen

摘要

Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and ecologically vital ecosystems on the planet, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, overfishing, and coastal development. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of methodologies for coral reef health monitoring, with a special focus on reef systems in South India, namely the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Lakshadweep archipelago. The study categorizes monitoring techniques into three primary approaches: traditional field-based surveys, remote sensing technologies, and computationally driven innovations, including machine learning (ML). Case studies demonstrate their application: line intercept transects provide species-level coral cover data but cover only about 50 to 100 m transects per dive; UAV surveys have mapped up to 40 hectares of reef in under 30 min; satellite monitoring (NOAA Coral Reef Watch) achieved > 80% accuracy in predicting bleaching events; and image classifiers that use ML enhancements such as CoralNet have reported > 85% precision in benthic cover annotation. Microbial indicators are shown to detect stress responses weeks before visual bleaching, highlighting their predictive potential. The review critically evaluates the strengths, limitations, costs, and applicability of each method across reef contexts (shallow vs. deep, turbid vs. clear waters), with particular reference to South Indian reefs. Furthermore, it explores the integration of emerging tools that include AI driven ROVs, microbial diagnostics, and hyperspectral imaging into hybrid monitoring systems, while addressing challenges of data governance, socioeconomic feasibility, and policy adoption. Coral reef loss is discussed in detail such as the significant loss in the Great Barrier Reef in relation to mass bleaching but also due to recurrent Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks and declining water quality, emphasizing the multifactorial pressures on reef systems globally. By linking technical innovations with management frameworks, the present review supports the development of scalable, intelligent, and regionally adaptive monitoring strategies for coral reef conservation.