In Malaysia, more than half of the coral reef affected by an episode of bleaching due to global warming

Coral bleaching episodes are increasing due to global warming. More than half of Malaysia’s coral reef is experiencing an episode of bleaching, local authorities have announced, concerning one of nature’s riches most threatened by human-caused climate change.

These data are the result of a study carried out between April and June, the Malaysian Fisheries Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Although it is still impossible to measure actual mortality in polyp colonies, the process is ongoing, marine heat waves have brought many of the planet’s reefs into a lethal zone.

“If bleaching is greater than 80%, further response measures may include temporary access restrictions to protect affected reefs”he warned.

The ministry urged tour operators to control the number of tourists in affected areas to reduce pressure on the reefs. He also announced that he would set up a coral bleaching response committee, made up of researchers, representatives of NGOs and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

This phenomenon of dieback, which threatens the survival of coral reefs, has already been confirmed in sixty-two countries and territories, both in the Northern and Southern hemisphere. It results in discoloration and is caused by an increase in water temperature, which results in the expulsion of the symbiotic algae giving the coral its bright color.

Malaysia has many popular diving sites, as well as particularly rich marine life. In this Southeast Asian country, the waters surrounding its forty-two islands have been classified as marine parks.