Even though awareness of microplastic pollution has grown significantly in recent years, several important gaps remain in scientific knowledge, governance structures, and on-the-ground operational capacity. These gaps make it difficult for regions like Lakshadweep to develop a strong and evidence-based marine governance model that can respond effectively to long-term environmental challenges.
One of the biggest limitations is the lack of sustained, long-term monitoring of microplastics in coral reef ecosystems. While short-term studies and project-based assessments have offered useful insights, they do not provide the continuous data needed to understand how coral reefs are exposed to microplastics over time or how well they recover from chronic pollution. Currently, Lakshadweep does not have a standardized national or regional database that brings together microplastic measurements from its coastal zones. As a result, scientists and policymakers are left with fragmented data, making it difficult to identify trends, compare locations, or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Another major gap lies in understanding the health implications of microplastic-contaminated seafood. Lakshadweep’s communities depend heavily on fish as a dietary staple, yet there is very limited research on how microplastics in marine organisms may affect human health. Existing studies often focus on global or generalized impacts, but there is a need for locally grounded assessments that consider dietary patterns, species consumption, and exposure levels specific to the islands.
Additionally, the relative contribution of different pollution sources is still unclear. Tourism is often highlighted as a major driver of plastic waste, but research examining its exact role compared to other factors, such as fishing activities, maritime transport, or plastics carried by ocean currents, remains inconclusive. Without clear attribution, policy responses may overlook significant sources of contamination or fail to target the most impactful interventions.
Finally, while the EU-supported PROMISE project has played an important role in engaging stakeholders and raising awareness, its short funding cycle and modest infrastructure investments limit its long-term influence. Many of its promising initiatives, such as community training and pilot waste reduction programs, remain small in scale and difficult to expand without additional institutional and financial support.
Addressing these scientific, operational, and governance gaps is essential for Lakshadweep to build a resilient and data-driven marine management framework. A comprehensive approach, supported by sustained monitoring, health research, source identification, and long-term investment, will be critical for protecting coastal ecosystems and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.