SOS Grand Bleu Conference - Coral reefs, an endangered jewel

There's a lot of talk these days about coral bleaching. What does this mean? How are corals the sentinels of our oceans? What are corals, anyway? Little is known about their biology, their animal nature having only been determined in the 18th century. Yet they have fascinating characteristics: plant-like animals, they form a complex symbiosis with microalgae and many other organisms. Their longevity is exceptional, reaching several thousand years. They are also at the origin of the world's largest biological construction, the coral reef. Coral reefs are a perfect example of a socio-ecosystem, where biology and ecosystem services are closely intertwined. However, coral reefs are currently the most sensitive ecosystem to global changes in the oceans, and are therefore under serious threat. The famous schooner Tara recently sailed the Pacific Ocean to carry out the largest ever multidisciplinary study of the health and future of coral reefs.