Rising Temperatures Increase Coral Deaths from Bacteria

Govind Tekale

UBC scientists discover warming oceans accelerate bacterial infections in corals, threatening marine life survival.

Photo Source: National Ocean Service (PDM 1.0)

Research spanning 60 studies reveals cold-blooded sea creatures face higher mortality when waters exceed normal temperatures.

Photo Source: Cesar Jung Harada (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Bacterial infections become deadlier in warmer waters, while fungal diseases peak at specific temperature ranges before declining.

Photo Source: Umberto Salvagnin (CC BY 2.0)

Coral health depends on zooxanthellae algae, which bacterial infections severely damage in warming conditions.

Photo Source: Francesco Ungaro (Pexels)

Some coral species adapt by "walking" across ocean floors to locate cooler waters, showing natural survival tactics.

Photo Source: Arjan Gittenberger, Bastian T. Reijnen, Bert W. Hoeksema (CC BY 3.0)

Yellow Band Disease spreads through coral tissues faster as temperatures rise, confirms WHOI researcher James Cervino.

Photo Source: G.Mannaerts (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Dr. Jingdi Li's findings predict increased risks to cold-blooded marine life as global warming continues.

Photo Credit: Lad Akins (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Coral reef ecosystems face disruption as warming waters stress both corals and their symbiotic relationships.

Photo Credit:  Kathy Krucker (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Scientists call for additional research to understand warming's effects on warm-blooded animals and humans.

Photo Source: Radvino (CC BY-SA 4.0)