The EcoBlog

As the world’s 4th and largest coral bleaching event continues, a new report says that parts of the reef have suffered the largest yearly decline in coral cover since records started about 40 years ago.

Heat stress is the main reason causes by rising ocean temperatures. When heat stress occurs, they release zooxanthellae, an algae they rely on for their vibrant color and food. They then become more vulnerable to disease and starvation, which can kill them.

According to BBC, “Stressed coral will probably die if it experiences temperatures 1C (1.8F) above its thermal limit for two months. If waters are 2C higher, it can survive around one month.”

In addition, they mention, “These corals are the fastest to grow and are the first to go,”

The Great Barrier is the largest coral reef on the planet spanning over 1429 miles, and reef’s house 1/4 of all marine species, showing the significance of these corals.