A Mass Coral Bleaching Event is Underway
@usnoaagov has officially confirmed that there is a mass coral bleaching event happening, affecting reefs around the world. This event was first documented in early 2023, and has continued due to warming oceans. This is the 4th mass coral bleaching recorded, and the 2nd in the past 10 years.
Coral has a symbiotic relationship with a type of algae that lives in its tissues. Bleaching occurs when a stressor, such as abnormal temperatures or nutrients, causes the coral to expel that algae. The coral is still alive, and can usually still recover from bleaching if the stressor is reduced. However, repeated stressful events weaken and eventually kill the coral. The loss of reefs affects communities worldwide.