Coral Bleaching

I think that the coral reefs around the equator and in tropical seas are most susceptible by coral bleaching. These tropical seas contain the corals that form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, and depend on this relationship to live. This area is most affected by coral bleaching due to the numerous problems that can occur that will ‘stress’ the coral and make them get rid of their algae partners, such as rising temperatures or changes in water make-up. Radiation can also greatly affect these corals, and events such as water levels dropping can cause radiation to hit corals that previously were submerged. There are several ways humans can help to prevent coral bleaching. Keeping the oceans and seas clean is one way that is most valuable. Chemical and oil spills damage corals and surrounding life, and can alter the temperature and chemical make-up of the ocean waters causing coral bleaching. Also monitoring and helping to combat global warming is another prevention for coral bleaching. Global warming increase the temperature at which corals live in, and will cause them to expel the algae living on them, opening them up to radiation and coral bleaching. Being a caretaker for the environment will help to prevent coral bleaching from continuing or happening in the seas.