In today’s world with all the climate and environmental problems, our wildlife and marine life are suffering. Coral bleaching is a natural process that scientists have seen in large masses, located in the Great Barrier Reef since 1988, now again in 2023. Coral bleaching happens when the coral is stressed due to temperature and light changes.
The coral expels zooxanthellae, an algae that lives in their bones, which gives them their vibrant colors. When the process is finished the coral is left white exposing its natural skeleton and also affecting the organisms around them. Animals like turtles and fish rely on eating off the coral, even hiding in the coral. Scientists are looking to stop this problem and figure out why it’s happening, some organizations are taking action by diving down to do transplants into the coral or sea floor.