Recent ecological monitoring in Kenting and Liuqiu Island has revealed coral bleaching, which occurs when corals expel the algae living in their tissue. Experts said that while the heat waves that cause coral bleaching are unavoidable, water activities and other sources of man-made marine pollution should be reduced.
Researcher Fan Tung-yung (樊同雲) from The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium said that the average seawater temperature in the South Bay of Kenting in July reached 31.1 C, with the maximum water temperature hitting 33.8 C. Given the risk of coral bleaching occurring once temperatures exceed 30 C, he recommended some measures to reduce the negative impact to the corals. These include more effective control of overfishing, water quality improvement, and the establishment of protected areas.
Taiwan Loo-Koo Yu Association Secretary General Chen Tun-qi (陳汯葰) said bleaching has been observed in early June in Liuqui Island. Due to the number of summer tourists, the amount of domestic wastewater has increased. Chen urged visitors to reduce the use of sunscreen with ingredients harmful to corals when engaging in water activities.
According to Ocean Affairs Council Director General Lu Shiau-Yun (陸曉筠), a draft for a coral conservation action plan is underway and expected to launch this year or the next. She stated that academic institutions are continuing to monitor the long-term trends in rising ocean temperatures.