What is a primary consequence of coral bleaching?

The primary consequence of coral bleaching is the loss of coral color and significant mortality rates. When corals experience stress, typically from environmental factors such as increased water temperature, pollution, or changes in salinity, they expel the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues. These algae provide corals with food and their vibrant colors. Once the algae are expelled, the corals appear pale or white, which is the phenomenon known as bleaching.

If the stressful conditions persist, the corals may not recover, leading to high mortality rates. This impacts not only the individual corals but also the entire reef ecosystem, as it diminishes the structural complexity and habitat that supports numerous marine species. Therefore, loss of color and significant mortality rates directly correlate to the impacts of coral bleaching on coral reefs.