Description
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae, due to stress caused by factors such as high water temperatures, pollution, or ocean acidification. This leads to the corals losing their vibrant colors and becoming pale or white. Without the zooxanthellae, the corals are more vulnerable to disease and may ultimately die. Coral bleaching is a major concern for coral reefs around the world, as it can have a devastating impact on the entire marine ecosystem that relies on these important structures.
