Taipei

Local environmentalists are raising alarms about significant coral bleaching occurring in the southern and eastern waters of Taiwan, triggered by an extended heat wave since June. Elaine Chen, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Eco-Angel Environmental Conservation Association, shared with local media that divers have observed coral bleaching near Kenting in southern Taiwan, as well as around Little Liuqiu, Orchid, and Green Islands.

The Taiwan Loo-Koo Yu Association, another environmental NGO, also reported cases of coral bleaching in June and July, according to source. When seawater temperatures exceed 28 degrees Celsius for two weeks, the symbiotic algae living in coral polyps release toxins that harm the corals, causing them to expel these algae. This process reveals the coral’s white skeletons, leading to what is known as coral bleaching.

Lee Kun-hsien, a volunteer with the Taiwan Loo-Koo Yu Association, noted that while seawater temperatures around Little Liuqiu Island usually range from 28 to 29 degrees Celsius in summer, they have consistently been between 30 and 32 degrees since June. He warned that if high temperatures continue, the corals are at risk of dying.

A similar large-scale bleaching event occurred in Taiwan in 2020. While bleaching can harm coral reefs in the short term, many healthy reefs can recover over time if conditions improve. Environmentalists urge a reduction in human activities near reefs and stronger measures to prevent seawater pollution. Lu Shiau-yun, chief of the island’s ocean affairs department, announced that a draft coral conservation action plan is underway and expected to be released soon.