Korallensterben

Korallensterben, also known as coral bleaching, is a phenomenon where corals lose their symbiotic algae, called zooxanthellae, which live in their tissues and provide them with food and color. This loss typically occurs when corals are stressed, most commonly due to changes in water temperature, but also from pollution, overfishing, and disease. When corals bleach, they turn white, appearing as if they are dead, although they are still alive. If the stress is prolonged, the coral will eventually die.

The primary driver of widespread coral bleaching events is the warming of ocean waters, largely attributed to climate change. Even a slight increase in temperature for a sustained period can trigger bleaching. As oceans absorb excess heat from the atmosphere, coral reefs, which are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, are particularly vulnerable. This phenomenon has been observed with increasing frequency and severity globally, impacting reefs from the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean.

The consequences of coral bleaching are far-reaching. Coral reefs are vital ecosystems, supporting an estimated 25% of all marine life. They provide habitat, food, and breeding grounds for countless species of fish and invertebrates. Their degradation leads to a loss of biodiversity and can devastate fisheries, impacting coastal communities that depend on them for food security and economic livelihoods. Furthermore, healthy coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from storm surges and erosion. The loss of these reefs exacerbates the vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events. Addressing coral bleaching requires urgent global action to mitigate climate change, reduce local stressors like pollution and overfishing, and implement conservation strategies to protect remaining reef systems.