Underwater umbrellas for coral reefs could help protect against heat damage

AI Summary

Researchers are exploring underwater shade structures to protect coral reefs from heat stress caused by rising sea temperatures. Such protection could help prevent bleaching and mortality, reducing reliance on costly restoration that leaves reefs vulnerable to future marine heat waves.

High sea temperatures driven by the climate crisis damage corals, bleaching them ghostly white and killing them. While restoration of dead reefs is possible, it's difficult and expensive, and restored corals are vulnerable to future heat waves. Finding ways to stop or slow the damage to existing reefs is crucial.