Rising acidity reduces the rate at which reefs develop. Crucial to coral health are colorful algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live in coral polyps, providing coral with its bright color.

An underwater investigation of coral bleaching in the South Pacific By Justin Worland | Photographs by XL Catlin Seaview Survey Richard Vevers has traveled the globe to photograph coral reefs ...

scientists say Coral reef bleaching across happens when stressed coral expel the algae that are their food source and give them their color. If the bleaching is severe and long-lasting ...

An aerial view of Vlassof Cay in the Great Barrier Reef ... and June 2016. Coral bleaching happens when coral expel the symbiotic algae that live in their tissue and give them color and nutrients.