Processes · Coastal
Coral bleaching
Stress disrupts the relationship between coral and its algae.
Coral reef environments
What to understand
- 1Stress can cause corals to lose the symbiotic algae in their tissues, becoming pale or white.
- 2Bleaching does not automatically mean the coral is dead; recovery is possible if stress eases.
The distinction to remember
Bleaching and coral death are different outcomes.
Conservation connection
Temperature stress, pollution and other environmental changes can trigger bleaching.
Pause & recall