FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The world’s coral reefs are undergoing the largest global bleaching event in recorded history, according to NOAA data.
Between January 2023 and April 2025, bleaching-level heat stress has affected 83.7% of coral reef areas across at least 83 countries and territories.
This surpasses the previous record set during the 2014–2017 bleaching event, which impacted 68.2% of reefs.
Bleaching occurs when rising ocean temperatures force corals to expel algae living within their tissues, leaving them vulnerable.
While recovery is possible if stressors are reduced, the scale of this event highlights the urgent need for action.