Global Wildlife

Coral Reef Bleaching and Marine Welfare

Coral reef bleaching driven by ocean warming is destroying the marine ecosystems that support hundreds of thousands of species, representing an unprecedented wildlife welfare crisis.

Key Facts

Half of the Great Barrier Reef's corals have died since 2016 due to bleaching events
Coral reefs support 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of ocean floor
Ocean warming of just 1-2 degrees Celsius above average triggers bleaching
Bleaching occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae under thermal stress
Caribbean reefs have lost 50% of their coral cover since the 1980s

Welfare Considerations

Coral bleaching represents a welfare emergency for countless marine species dependent on reef habitat. Fish lose feeding and breeding grounds, invertebrates lose homes, and predators lose prey. The welfare scale of reef destruction is staggering and demands urgent climate action.

What You Can Do

Advocate for ambitious climate targets to slow ocean warming
Support reef conservation organisations including Coral Restoration Foundation
When diving or snorkeling, follow reef protection guidelines and use reef-safe sunscreen