Coral bleaching has started due to rising ocean temperatures in the Maldives, the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) has said.
According to data gathered from the United States National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) satellite and information service, ocean temperatures in the Maldives will spike dramatically over the next nine weeks.
The current temperature is at the "warning level." The next categories are alert levels one and two.
In the ninth week, temperatures in the Maldives region will rise to alert level two. Coral bleaching signs are expected across the country.
NOAA alert. -- Photo: NOAA
The MMRI urged the public to report any observed signs of bleaching in reefs. Coral bleaching could be reported through social media or a Google form.
The purpose of reporting coral bleaching is to begin treatment for such reefs as soon as possible. Several measures can be taken to mitigate the effects of coral bleaching, including coral planting.
As 2024 is an El Nińo year with higher than normal sea level rise, the Met Office also noted the possibility of further temperature increases. The World Meteorological Organization has also predicted this.
