Hawaii’s Coral Reefs Are Bleaching at Alarming Rates as Ocean Temperatures Rise

Once vibrant and colorful, Hawaii’s coral reefs are turning white as climate change and rising ocean temperatures drive widespread coral bleaching.

Jarrod Taylor, a diver with two decades of experience off Honolulu’s coast, has seen firsthand the devastating transformation. “It was really colorful probably two years ago. And now it’s all bleached white,” Taylor said.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over 84% of the world's coral reefs are currently under heat stress, which forces algae out of coral, stripping reefs of their color and life-supporting properties.

Coral reefs are crucial for supporting marine biodiversity and serve as natural barriers against coastal storms. Without them, aquatic ecosystems suffer and shorelines become more vulnerable to flooding and storm damage, potentially costing billions, NOAA reports.

Marine scientist Greg Asner, director of the Allen Coral Atlas and the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science at Arizona State University, says 2024 is on track to be the hottest year in recorded history, both on land and sea.

“Corals are far more sensitive to temperature than humans. What used to take years to damage a reef now takes weeks, sometimes days,” Asner explained. He notes the coral die-off is more severe in regions like the Great Barrier Reef, Galapagos Islands, the Caribbean, and Florida compared to Hawaii.

Despite the grim outlook, there is hope. Conservationists are promoting reef-safe sunscreens and developing underwater coral nurseries to help restore damaged reefs. These efforts, while promising, require time and long-term commitment.

“If we reduce fossil fuel emissions, the next generation could witness the recovery,” said Asner.