Coral Bleaching
Photo by Ryan Pernofski
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What Does El Niño Mean for Coral Reefs?
In 1997-8, a powerful El Niño event spread across the Pacific Ocean, driving record-breaking sea surface temperatures and triggering the first documented global coral bleaching event. Reefs from the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean experienced widespread stress, and in some regions, significant coral mortality followed. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this…
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Coral Bleaching Awareness Month is Moving to September
Coral Bleaching Awareness Month is entering a new chapter. For 3 years, this global campaign has helped people understand one of the most visible signs of stress on coral reefs. Now, Coral Bleaching Awareness Month will take place in September, aligning global attention with the time of year when bleaching impacts and reef monitoring are…
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2025 Greatest Hits of the CORAL Blog
This year was a big one for coral reefs and the Coral Reef Alliance! As the year comes to a close, we’re looking back at the stories that resonated most. The ones that traveled farthest, sparked curiosity, and helped connect more people to the future of coral reefs. Over 120,000(!!) of you read our stories…
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Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event Underscores Urgency of Action
As we celebrate Earth Month, a time dedicated to preserving the beauty of our planet, it’s critical to confront the brutal reality facing one of its most iconic ecosystems: coral reefs. Today, NOAA announced that “the world is experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event.” Since early 2023 mass bleaching “has been confirmed in at…