Culloden reef experiences extensive coral bleaching

Concerns over coral bleaching are growing as images released by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) show extensive bleaching at Culloden Bay Reef. The IMA has been conducting reef surveys due to record-breaking sea temperatures, which have triggered a level 5 coral bleaching alert. In response to the video posted online, the IMA expressed alarm at the rapid bleaching rate, noting that Culloden Reef is home to vital marine life, and its survival is now at risk. This bleaching event and the devastating impacts on other reefs in Tobago underscores the urgent need for action to protect our coral ecosystems. The IMA has called for public awareness and support to mitigate coral bleaching before more reefs around Tobago are destroyed. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae within them, usually due to stress from elevated water temperatures. Without the algae, corals become vulnerable, as the algae provide essential nutrients through photosynthesis. When this happens, corals can die, leading to biodiversity loss and the collapse of ecosystems that depend on them.