The primary cause of coral bleaching is increased ocean temperatures, primarily due to climate change. When water temperatures rise, corals expel the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues, leading to a loss of color and essential nutrients. Other stressors such as pollution, ocean acidification, and excessive light can also contribute to bleaching. The impact of bleaching is profound, resulting in decreased coral health, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of marine ecosystems that rely on corals for habitat and food.