Coral reefs are among the most vibrant and vital ecosystems on earth.

According to the UN Environment Programme , coral reefs support nearly a quarter of all marine life and provide food, income, and coastal protection to over 500 million people globally.

But these underwater cities are under serious threat; mainly due to coral bleaching.

Coral bleaching occurs when corals become stressed – usually due to high water temperatures – and expel the colourful algae living in their tissues.

These algae not only give corals their brilliant hues, but also supply most of their food through photosynthesis. Without them, the coral turns white – or “bleached” – and becomes far more vulnerable to disease and death, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Bleached corals aren’t dead, but they are weak. And if stressful conditions persist – such as warming waters – they can die. The UN Environment Programme warns that we’ve already lost about 14 percent of the world’s coral reefs since 2009 - so in just the past 16 years.

This is not just an environmental crisis. Millions of people rely on reefs for food, livelihoods, tourism, and natural protection from storms. 

Last month, The Guardian reported that over 80 percent of the world’s coral reefs have experienced coral bleaching, driven by prolonged marine heatwaves linked to climate change. This unprecedented bleaching has affected reefs in at least 82 countries and territories.

The main cause of coral bleaching is climate change. 

Rising ocean temperatures, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, pose the greatest threat. When sea temperatures increase by just 1–2 degrees celsius for a few weeks, bleaching can occur. 

Plastic pollution, overfishing, and coastal destruction add further stress to reefs already struggling to survive.

There is still hope, but urgent action is needed.

The most critical step is cutting global carbon emissions to slow ocean warming. But preventing plastic from entering the ocean also plays a role.

We’re proud to say, with your support, in 2024, we nearly doubled our plastic collection from the previous year, stopping 8.26 million kg of plastic from entering the ocean — and that brings our total to the equivalent of over 1.8 Billion plastic bottles.

In coastal areas, solutions like marine protected areas, sustainable fishing, and reef restoration – including the work of our partner Coral Vita – are vital to helping reefs recover from coral bleaching. There’s also a lot you can do yourself to help the ocean.

1. Consider buying an Ocean Bottle for yourself or a friend - each bottle funds the removal of the equivalent of 1,000 plastic bottles.

2. Say no to plastic straws and utensils and make it a habit to bring your own.

3. Reduce your overall plastic use and make sure to recycle correctly if you have the option .

4. Join your local community for clean-up efforts, whether that’s on a beach, by a river, or in your town.

Coral bleaching is a clear warning that our ocean is in trouble. Protecting reefs means not just protecting biodiversity, but also millions of people who depend on the ocean – and that’s exactly what we want to do with each Ocean Bottle sold.