Rising sea temperatures trigger coral bleaching in Maldives
Marine observers have noted that bleaching events in the Maldives are occurring more frequently than in previous decades.
Coral reefs across the Maldives are experiencing another bleaching event as rising sea temperatures continue to affect reef systems across the region.
Images shared on social media in recent weeks have shown reefs losing colour in several parts of the country. Similar bleaching events are also being reported in other parts of the world.
Veteran diver Hussain Rasheed said corals that appeared healthy only weeks earlier had turned white due to thermal stress.
“Just about two weeks ago, these corals were a healthy deep brown. Now, look at them — they have turned almost entirely white,” he said while sharing photographs from recent dives.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals are exposed to environmental stress, particularly increased sea temperatures.
Under such conditions, corals expel microscopic algae known as zooxanthellae, which live within coral tissues and provide their colour and nutrients. Once expelled, the corals appear white.
According to divers and marine observers, the current bleaching event is affecting not only branching corals but also larger massive corals.
The impact has been observed on reef flats as well as at deeper dive sites.
Although bleached coral is not immediately dead, prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can prevent recovery and lead to coral mortality.
Marine observers have noted that bleaching events in the Maldives are occurring more frequently than in previous decades.
The Maldives recorded a major bleaching event between 1988 and 1989. Since then, the interval between bleaching events has shortened from around once every decade to every few years, with some events now occurring almost annually.
Experts say repeated bleaching reduces the ability of reefs to recover fully between heatwaves.
Researchers have also raised concerns about the impact of land reclamation and dredging projects on reef health.
Previous reports by the Marine Research Centre have stated that sedimentation and increased water turbidity caused by coastal development can worsen stress on coral reefs.
The Maldives experienced its largest recorded bleaching event in 2016, during a period when multiple reclamation and dredging projects were taking place across the country.
Calls have since been made for a temporary suspension of reclamation and related coastal activities during periods of elevated sea temperatures to reduce additional stress on reef systems.
