Taiwan has some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the region. But Taiwan’s reefs are struggling to survive in the face of climate change. Experts say, however, that they may have an ally in a destructive force of nature.
Taiwan justly calls itself the coral kingdom. That’s because the waters off its southern coast are dotted with colorful reefs. But climate change has sent the temperature of seawater in the area rising to about 30C, sickening and bleaching the corals. Bleaching is happening at a range of spots, from the tourist magnet of Kenting to the small island of Xiaoliuqiu off the southwest coast.
Diving coaches say that coral is turning white in shallow and deep waters alike. The coaches also said that the range affected by bleaching has grown to be larger than ever before.
A temporary solution may be typhoons: experts say the storms can cool the water temperature, and hopefully, save the corals.