Global coral reef coverage risks irreversible decline, new report warns

The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) released a report on Monday warning that global coral cover is now well below normal levels and at risk of irreversible decline. Lead author Manuel Gonzalez Rivero said that bleaching events are occurring so frequently that reefs do not have time to recover, with the frequency of such events having doubled. The latest bleaching in 2023 was the most extensive on record, impacting 77% of the world's coral reef areas. Rivero warned that another such event is 'very likely' this year given elevated global temperatures. Coral reefs support more than 25% of all marine life despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. The report's release coincided with the Pacific Islands Forum, where at least five leaders will skip the summit, which discusses climate change and ocean health.