Caribbean coral reefs lose nearly half their hard coral coverage since 1980 as marine heatwaves devastate ecosystems

A devastating new study reveals that Caribbean coral reefs have lost 48% of their hard coral coverage since 1980, marking one of the most dramatic ecological collapses in recent history. The findings, released by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, show that these vibrant underwater ecosystems now contain only half the hard coral they supported just four decades ago.

Climate change has emerged as the primary culprit behind this alarming decline, with increasingly destructive marine heatwaves wreaking havoc on reef systems throughout the Caribbean. These prolonged periods of abnormally warm ocean temperatures trigger a deadly chain reaction that begins with the microscopic algae living symbiotically within coral tissues.

Under normal conditions, these microalgae provide essential nutrients to their coral hosts through photosynthesis. However, when marine heatwaves strike, the elevated temperatures cause these beneficial algae to become toxic. Faced with this threat, coral polyps are forced to expel their algae partners in a process known as coral bleaching, leaving behind ghostly white coral skeletons.

Without their algae partners, corals lose their primary food source and become extremely vulnerable to disease and death. While some corals can recover if temperatures return to normal quickly enough, repeated heatwave events have prevented many Caribbean reefs from bouncing back. The study underscores the urgent need for both global climate action and local reef conservation efforts to protect these biodiversity hotspots that support countless marine species and coastal communities throughout the region.