In the heart of the Pacific, the coral reefs of the South Line islands have shown an incredible capacity for regeneration after major bleaching episodes in recent years.
An integral part of the island republic of Kiribati, the South Line islands are remnants of volcanic activity and offer an environment conducive to the development of coral reefs. Since 2009, several scientific projects have been monitoring coral evolution, and the Kiribati government has adopted conservation measures.
Unfortunately, a new factor is threatening Kiribati corals: the disruption of underwater currents, and more specifically of El Niño, a warm-water current in the Pacific. In 2015 and 2016, corals - extremely sensitive to temperature changes - experienced massive bleaching episodes.
In 2021, during new expeditions, the scientists, expecting to find deserted reefs, actually discovered a space teeming with life. Pocillopora corals, already present, were able to grow again, and new species such as Montipora took over the reef's empty spaces. This unexpected recovery demonstrates the capacity of protected environments to regenerate.
