Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea.” They are valuable ecosystems that cover one percent of the ocean floor but are crucial for marine life. Coral reefs offer protection from storms as well as provide food to marine life. Currently, coral reefs are in serious trouble because of coral bleaching.

Coral Bleaching: A Global Issue

Coral bleaching occurs when corals, under stressful conditions, release an algae called zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae are responsible for maintaining the attractive color of corals and also provide food to corals. Corals without zooxanthellae lose color and turn white; subsequently, survival for corals becomes difficult. The US National Ocean Service reports that bleaching indirectly kills corals by making them vulnerable to harsh conditions.

A slight alteration in ocean temperature can cause coral bleaching. Water pollution, intense ultraviolet rays, low tide, and sediment washing into the sea are the causes of coral bleaching. According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, climate change, which causes heat, is the major cause of coral bleaching.

The Washington Post reports that since 2023, almost 84 percent of the world’s corals have been damaged by intense heat. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has faced six bleaching events since 2016; meanwhile, nearby Ningaloo Reef has suffered from bleaching for the first time. Bleaching is not confined to Australia. The Associated Press highlighted that reef bleaching happened at high levels in the Indian, Caribbean, and Pacific oceans. Scientists are very concerned about the continuous reef bleaching without solid global planning; in decades, the reef ecosystems can be exhausted.

Importance of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are not only vital for ocean health but also for human survival. The Coral Reef Alliance revealed that reefs play an important........

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