Study Warns Caribbean Coral Cover Has Halved Since 1980 Amid Severe Heat Stress

Study Warns Caribbean Coral Cover Has Halved Since 1980 Amid Severe Heat Stress
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Caribbean coral reefs now contain only half as much hard coral as they did in 1980, according to a new study, The Guardian reported. Researchers found a 48% decline driven largely by marine heatwaves linked to climate change, which damage the microalgae that coral relies on for food and colour. In 2023–24, the region experienced its most extreme thermal stress on record, resulting in a 16.9% drop in coral cover in just one year.

Hard corals support a quarter of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the seafloor, yet scientists say bleaching is becoming increasingly widespread. Divers in Mexico reported vast stretches of bone-white, dying coral following recent heat events. The degradation is compounded by storms that physically break reefs apart.

The economic implications are significant: Caribbean reefs generate an estimated $6.2bn annually through tourism and fisheries. As coral declines, macroalgae has expanded by 85% since 1980, aided by overfishing of species that normally keep it in check.

Despite these losses, the study highlights areas of resilience, including healthy coral colonies identified in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Their discovery prompted the Mexican government to establish a new marine protected area linking two existing parks. Experts say reducing local pollution, limiting tourism pressures and tackling climate change remain critical to restoring reef health.