Bleaching and coral death is expected to occur with greater frequency under climate change. The study by Anthony, Connolly and Hoegh-Guldberg provides new insight into the complex interplay between environmental factors that lead to death in bleached corals.  Photo: Ken Anthony

Bleached corals are starving corals. They rely on their energy (fat) reserves for survival until they can rebuild their internal populations of symbiotic algae.
Photos: Ove Hoegh-Guldberg

Sediment is a serious disturbance on reefs that can smother and kill corals and lead to overgrowth by weeds. However, under dangerously warm and bright conditions, sediment particles suspended in the water can act as a protective shade screen and a temporary food source that promotes the survival of bleached corals. Photos: Ken Anthony

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