Corals are marine invertebrate organisms that live in colonies and coral reefs are formed through the decay of dying corals and the development of new corals. These organisms form ecosystems considered ecological hotspots for their abundance and diversity of species. Over 4,000 species of fish are known to be found in the reefs around the world, and the 2,500 different coral species recorded, provide countless benefits to other organisms. Coral reefs are valued at about USD 375 billion, and up to 500 million people around the world are known to benefit from coral reefs from fishing, consuming fish, eco-tourism, and recreational use. However, corals are facing extreme degradation worldwide from a combination of natural and human-made pressures. Coral reefs in Mauritius are under threat and have already suffered mass coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2009. These events were caused by high sea water temperatures and resulted in significant loss in coral cover in our lagoons.The six sites surveyed on a monthly basis were Anse la Raie ALBC, Anse la Raie ALLC, Bain Boeuf, Balaclava, Bel Ombre Kayak, and Bel Ombre Coral Garden.
Keywords
El Nino Effect,Coral,Reef,Coral Bleaching,Temperature Stress