According to Coral Reef Watch, which monitors global sea temperatures, the waters around the Maldives are currently at a "watch" level, indicating heat stress that could lead to bleaching.
As the Iruvai monsoon, the hottest season in the Maldives, takes effect, concerns over coral bleaching are rising once again.
According to Coral Reef Watch, which monitors global sea temperatures, the waters around the Maldives are currently at a "watch" level, indicating heat stress that could lead to bleaching.
The southern atolls are already under this alert, and predictions suggest that the reefs could reach alert level 1 within the next 9–12 weeks.
Last year saw widespread reports of coral bleaching in the Maldives. The sunny season, from January to June, is typically the hottest period, with April being the peak. This seasonal temperature rise has historically led to increased coral bleaching events.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their color and turn white due to stress caused by temperature changes, light fluctuations, or nutrient imbalances. Climate change-driven ocean warming remains the primary cause of coral bleaching worldwide.
The first major coral bleaching event in the Maldives was recorded in 1998. Since then, incidents have occurred periodically, with the most severe event in 2016.
A study by Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) reported that 73 percent of Maldivian corals were affected by bleaching that year.
Coral bleaching in Maldives is currently at watch level -- Photo: Coral Reef Watch
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