Bleaching, along with black band disease, proliferated in the 1980s, and accelerated in 1997-1998. Black band disease makes its appearance in the Caribbean. Staghorn and elkhorn corals suffer die-off in Florida. Staghorn and elkhorn corals die in Jamaica. Sea urchin Diadema , a key reef herbivore, dies throughout the Caribbean, allowing algal infestation of dead corals.
Corals bleach in Florida.
Corals bleach in Florida.