Marine Ecosystems

Coral Bleaching and Invertebrate Welfare

Coral bleaching events kill billions of marine invertebrates and destroy ecosystems that support countless fish species.

Key Facts

The 2016 and 2017 coral bleaching events killed more than 50% of the Great Barrier Reef corals
A bleaching event in 2024 was the most extensive ever recorded, covering 77% of the world reef area
Coral bleaching causes the expulsion of symbiotic algae, starving the coral of nutrition
If ocean temperatures remain elevated, bleached corals die within weeks to months
Reef systems support over 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor

Welfare Considerations

While evidence for coral sentience is limited, reef bleaching events cause mass mortality of fish and invertebrates known to experience pain and distress. The indirect welfare toll — destruction of the habitat that supports billions of animals — is one of the largest single environmental impacts of climate change.

What You Can Do

Reduce your carbon footprint through energy choices, transportation, and diet
Support marine protected areas and reef restoration projects
Oppose expansion of coal and fossil fuel infrastructure that accelerates ocean warming