Coral Bleaching in Mauritius

Coral reefs, often referred to as the ‘Oases in the Desert Ocean’, are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. These vibrant ecosystems support over 30% of marine biodiversity¹, providing essential ecosystem services that sustain over 500 million people worldwide^2,3 and contribute an estimated global economic value of approximately $10 trillion USD per year⁴. However, these ecosystems are now facing a constant threat from a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that resides within their tissues⁵. This not only robs them of their vibrant colours but also deprives them of their most essential source of energy, making them susceptible to starvation, disease, and mortality⁶.

Figure 1: Coral bleaching stages featuring the Ramsar sites in Mauritius.