Scientists Race Against Time to Save Dying Coral Reefs

**Coral Bleaching Crisis Spurs Urgent Research in Spain** Cadiz, Spain – With 84% of the world's coral reefs suffering mass bleaching events over the past two years, scientists at the University of Cadiz are racing against time to find solutions. A recent CGTN Europe report highlights a groundbreaking project where researchers are recreating the conditions that cause bleaching in a controlled laboratory setting. "We are simulating a stress situation," explains Dr. Maria Laura Martin Diaz, a professor at the university. "We want to find the indicators of increasing temperature in our organisms from Mediterranean regions." The researchers are studying various coral species, meticulously observing their reactions to elevated water temperatures. The goal is to identify early warning signs of bleaching and develop strategies to protect these vital ecosystems. The video shows the meticulous work in the lab and stark underwater footage of bleached coral, providing a powerful visual representation of the problem. This research offers hope in the fight against coral reef degradation, a critical issue affecting marine biodiversity and global ecosystems. The University of Cadiz project is a significant step towards understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on these vital underwater habitats.