What are some of the consequences of coral bleaching?

Question

It's for a science assignment. Please help!

Answer 1

Coral reefs are essentially ecosystems in trouble, with consequences that are not yet fully understood.  From the first link below:

"The increase in ocean temperature is variable and quite subtle: on the order of 1° C over the last several decades. But even such modest changes have caused mass-coral mortality events around the world during some of the especially warm summers we have all experienced over the last ten years. In 1998 when an intense El Niño greatly warmed much of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans, coral bleaching was widespread, causing mass coral mortality in many countries. For example, in Palau, more than 90% of the corals on some reefs bleached and at least 50% perished."

I hope the links help.

Answer 2

It gets rid of that nasty ring.

Answer 3

Coral reefs are the foundation of many of the ocean's ecosystems.  If the coral dies, so will many of the fish and other ocean organisms.  Then the fish that eat those fish will go too.  Ocean species populations could crash, and many fisheries disappear.