The livelihood of Caribbean coral reefs are significantly threatened by rising global ocean temperatures, said researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
According to the scientists, warming ocean waters have resulted in the worst coral bleaching on record due to heat stress.
The bleaching could lead to extensive die-offs of coral in the region, the researchers warned.
“The entire Caribbean right now is bleaching,” said NOAA coral ecologist Derek Manzello. “If you picked a random spot on the map in the Caribbean and jumped in the water, you’re going to see bleached corals.”
