44 per cent of coral species threatened with extinction – IUCN

A new report from the IUCN reveals that 44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction. This analysis found that all 892 species of warm-water corals are in decline. Notably, Caribbean species like Staghorn and Elkhorn coral were heavily affected by a marine heatwave in 2023. Rising water temperatures and diseases are the main threats to coral reefs, which are vital for marine ecosystems. Efforts to protect these ecosystems are crucial for maintaining ocean health and supporting human livelihoods.