Divers propagating mesophotic coral fragments to start new colonies

Deep Diving and Innovation to Restore the Gulf’s Mesophotic Corals

7/30/2026 - By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. Deep in the Gulf of America lies a vital but little-known habitat. In the "mesophotic" (middle light) zone are coral ecosystems that are essential to the Gulf’s food web. In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill injured extensive areas of this delicate environment. Today, scientists across federal agencies and… SEE MORE
Coral bleaching at Cheeca Rocks in the Florida Keys in 2023. [Credit: NOAA]

World’s Fourth Mass Coral Bleaching Event Likely Ended in 2025

6/7/2026 - By nesdis.noaa.gov, nesdis.noaa.gov. After analyzing satellite data and bleaching observations, NOAA’s experts say the record-breaking fourth global coral bleaching event likely concluded in mid-2025. The fourth global coral bleaching event was confirmed by NOAA on April 15, 2024. From early-2023 to mid-2025, bleaching-level heat stress impacted 84% of the world’s coral… SEE MORE
Image Credits: pexels.com.

Why Are Corals So Colorful? Understanding Reef Health Indicators

1/4/2026 - By Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, whoi.com. For harbor communities and coastal areas that depend on healthy reef ecosystems, understanding coral coloration provides valuable insights into reef health. Coral reefs protect harbors from wave action, support commercial and recreational fisheries, and indicate overall marine ecosystem conditions—making the science behind coral color… SEE MORE
Porites cf. lobata is a key reef-building coral that provides habitats for numerous species, including feather stars (comatulid crinoids) and fish. (Photo by Kharis Schrage, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Palau’s Rock Islands Harbor Heat-resistant Corals

11/15/2025 - By Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, whoi.edu. Heat-Resistant Corals Discovered in Palau's Rock Islands As marine heatwaves increasingly threaten coral reefs worldwide, new research from Palau offers promising insights for harbor and coastal communities that depend on healthy reef ecosystems for shoreline protection, fisheries, and maritime navigation safety. The discovery of… SEE MORE
Image Credits: Noaa Fisheries.

NOAA Fisheries Designates Critical Habitat for Five Corals in U.S. Waters in the Pacific Islands

7/15/2025 - By fisheries.noaa.gov. Designating critical habitat for threatened Pacific Islands corals will help us protect them for generations to come. If you had to describe corals in one word, what would it be? Maybe “colorful,” “amazing,” or “vibrant” come to mind? One word that definitely suits them is “powerhouse.” Corals do… SEE MORE