Question

What are the causes of coral bleaching?

Answer 1

Coral bleaching is primarily caused by environmental stressors, such as:

1. High water temperatures: When ocean temperatures rise, corals become stressed and expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white or "bleach."
2. Pollution: Runoff from agriculture, sewage, and other sources can introduce pollutants that stress corals and make them more susceptible to bleaching.
3. Ocean acidification: Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are absorbed by the ocean, leading to ocean acidification, which can weaken coral skeletons and make them more vulnerable to bleaching.
4. Overexposure to sunlight: Too much sunlight can cause corals to expel their symbiotic algae, leading to bleaching.
5. Physical damage: Human activities such as boating, diving, and fishing can physically damage corals, making them more prone to bleaching.
6. Disease outbreaks: Diseases can weaken corals and make them more susceptible to bleaching events.