Key Issues … Coral Reefs Red Sea coral reefs are among the most spectacular in the world, boasting a high level of biodiversity with over 1,000 named species and many more yet to be identified. They are considered among the most sensitive ecosystems to long-term climate change. Corals are especially sensitive to variation in sea surface temperatures, and when physiologically stressed, corals may lose symbiotic algae, which supply nutrients and colors. In this stage, corals appear white and are referred to as bleached. While Corals can recover from short-term bleaching, irreversible damage and subsequent mortality can occur by prolonged bleaching. Corals are already stressed by human impacts such as runoff from wastewater and damage from recreational diving and snorkeling. Coral Reefs Bleached Coral Reefs Adaptation strategies have been proposed such as raising public awareness, and monitoring programs for selected hot spots on the Red Sea shore to document the effects of climatic variability on coral reefs. In addition, identification of damage occurring to coral reefs, including bleaching would be valuable.