A global coral-bleaching database, 1980-2020

Coral reefs are the world's most diverse marine ecosystems that provide resources and services that benefit millions of people globally. Yet, coral reefs have recently experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of thermal-stress events that are causing coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is a result of the breakdown of the symbiosis between corals and their symbiotic microalgae, causing the loss of pigments and symbionts, giving corals a pale, bleached appearance. Bleaching can be temporary or fatal for corals, depending on the species, the geographic location, historical conditions, and on local and regional influences. Indeed, marine heat waves are the greatest threat to corals worldwide. Here we compile a Global Coral-Bleaching Database (GCBD) that encompasses 34,846 coral bleaching records from 14,405 sites in 93 countries, from 1980-2020. The GCBD provides vital information on the presence or absence of coral bleaching along with site exposure, distance to land, mean turbidity, cyclone frequency, and a suite of sea-surface temperature metrics at the times of survey.

Automated summary

Coral reefs, the most diverse marine ecosystems, are facing increased thermal stress events leading to coral bleaching. The severity of bleaching varies depending on species, location, historical conditions, and local/regional influences. The Global Coral-Bleaching Database compiles over 34,000 records from 93 countries, providing crucial information on bleaching presence, site exposure, and environmental factors.