Coral reefs cover only a small portion of the ocean floor, yet they support some of the richest biodiversity on Earth.
These ecosystems provide habitat for countless marine species, protect coastlines from storms and support fishing and tourism industries worldwide.
However, rising ocean temperatures are placing reefs under growing pressure. Marine heatwaves can trigger coral bleaching, a process in which corals lose the algae they depend on for survival.
Pollution, overfishing and ocean acidification are adding further stress.
Scientists warn that large sections of the world’s reefs could decline significantly if warming continues.
At the same time, restoration projects and conservation efforts are expanding, including coral nurseries and protected marine areas.
Experts say coral reefs are important not only for marine life, but as indicators of the wider health of ocean ecosystems.
