What is Coral Bleaching?

I have done a lot more research on why coral is endangered and the process behind it was an interesting discovery. Coral is so rich in colour because algae inhabits the coral tissue, therefore they have a symbiotic relationship. Algae is the corals food source and would die with out it. ‘Coral bleaching’ happens when the relationship between the two becomes stressed due to water temperature rise or pollution, and the algae leaves the coral tissue. This causes the coral to turn white, therefore not supplying a food source for the fish.

The root of this issue lies with pollution and climate change. Humans use Earth’s resources poorly which result in a rise of greenhouse gasses, and temperature. The rise in air heat means the ocean warms as well and makes for unideal conditions for which algae can live. Runoff from drains that dilute our waste into the ocean can effect near-shore corals, as well as extreme low tides and over-exposure to sunlight.

Coral bleaching is a global issue that again, humans are at the core of. By cutting back on waste and minimising how much pollution goes into our waters means we might be able to save some of our world’s reefs. Coral provides us with 30% of our oxygen we breathe. Without it, it won’t only be the fish that suffer.

NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Programme, Mar 2016, http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. "What is Coral Bleaching?". National Ocean Service, National Ocean Service NOAA Department of Commerce, 17 March 2016, http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment. "Longevity & Causes of Death". Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, 2017, https://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/animal-infobooks/coral-and-coral-reefs/longevity-and-causes-of-death