A mass coral bleaching is underway. Here’s how machine learning can help

In the long run, the only ways to stop coral die-offs and protect reef habitats that support so much sea life are limiting water pollution and curbing climate change.

The world’s coral reefs are like underwater cities, bustling with all kinds of fish and sea animals. Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean, but they support an estimated 25% of all marine species, including many important fish species. The economic value of the services that these complex ecosystems provide is estimated at more than $3.4 billion yearly just in the U.S.