Toxic Asia-Pacific

Coral Bleaching

Last year, Thailand saw some of the worst coral bleaching of the past two decades. Bleaching occurs when algae-like protozoa carrying the pigment that gives coral its vibrant colour die due to changes in water temperature or from toxins. The Thai Marine and Coastal Resources Department has closed 10 popular diving spots to limit the impact of tourism on the damaged reefs, though many dive operators blame rising water temperatures, not tourists, for the coral’s demise. Water temperatures in Thailand, meanwhile, have been fluctuating between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius.

Photo: Matt Kieffer