Climate Change and Anthropogenic Stressors Has Lead to Coral Reef Loss

Ocean Warming and Coral Bleaching

Recently, marine heatwaves have been increasing in both frequency and duration, and coral bleaching is increasing, threatening coral reef ecosystems (Winslow et al., 2024). Even a 1–2 °C temperature change can disrupt the mutualism between the corals and their symiodiniaceae and trigger bleaching (Winslow et al., 2024).

Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae due to stressors, usually an increased temperature. This loss causes the coral to turn white and become more vulnerable to disease and death.

Pollution

Pollution can come from several sources, including leaky septic systems, urban and agricultural runoff, sunscreens, and oil spills (Winslow et al. and DeFilippo et al.). This threat could be controlled by policy and education. Many sources consider pollution control as a preventative coral bleaching method.