The threats to coral
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Coral bleaching
The vibrantly-coloured reefs turn a ghostly white due to the coral polyp expelling a photosynthetic algae that lives symbiotically with it. Incidents of bleaching are increasing due to corals coming under stress from pollution and global warming. Corals can survive bleaching but are left vulnerable to other stresses.
Ocean acidification
As levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continue to rise, the oceans become more acidic as the gas dissolves in the sea. The acidity interferes with the coral’s ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. These massive structures can actually dissolve when exposed to acidity.
Disease and predators
As corals become weakened by bleaching they become more vulnerable to diseases such as black band disease. Sometimes, waves of predators move in and feed |voraciously on the coral tissue.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments