Coral Bleaching and Warm Oceans

Coral reefs, often dubbed the "rainforests of the sea", are among the most bio-diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, they support approximately 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. These ecosystems are built by coral polyps, tiny animals that secrete calcium carbonate to form hard skeletons, creating complex structures that serve as habitats, breeding grounds, and food sources for marine life.
Reefs are critical for human communities, providing food through fisheries, protecting coastlines from erosion and storms, and generating significant economic value through tourism, estimated at $36 billion annually.