Belize's reefs are currently victims of a bleaching event which the Fisheries Department says is caused mainly by a combination of the rise in seawater temperature and chronic local stressors and practices. They pointed out that it's not uncommon but it has been continuous, and it may be one of the worst bleaching events in the last decade. Since there is no cure, they must rely on approaches that strengthen the coral ecosystems' resistance. That's why the department is working alongside the National Coral Reef Monitoring Network to assess the extent of the bleaching and create a response plan. This video was provided by Fragments of Hope.
A release says that In the meantime, Belize will join countries like Barbados and Maldives to lobby for more urgent carbon dioxide reductions and ensure appropriate compensation/mitigation to address the damages already done.
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