Scientists have discovered the deepest known evidence of coral reef bleaching, more than 90 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
The damage – attributed to a 30% rise in sea temperatures caused by the Indian Ocean dipole – harmed up to 80% of the reefs in certain parts of the seabed, at depths previously thought to be resilient to ocean warming.
However, scientists say it serves as a stark warning of the harm caused in our ocean by rising ocean temperatures, and also of the hidden damage being caused throughout the natural world as a result of climate change.
Read more at: University of Plymouth
The evidence of coral damage was observed during a research cruise in November 2019, during which scientists from the University of Plymouth were using remotely operated underwater vehicles equipped with cameras to monitor the coral health below the ocean surface CREDIT (Photo Credit: University of Plymouth)