18/06/2026
18 June 2026 Bleaching Alert Update
๐ฅ๐ฅ Alert Level 2 in parts of Sibuguey bay where significant bleaching expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely
๐ฅ Alert Level 1 conditions are present in several reef areas, particularly in parts of Tayabas bay, Lamon Bay, Masbate, Guimaras Strait, Western Samar, Northern Bohol, Southern Negros, Sulu Sea and Southern Mindanao. Bleaching is expected in these areas, and reports from the field are highly encouraged.
๐ง Alert Level โWarningโ is observed across large portions of Philippine waters. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.
๐จ Alert Level โWatchโ conditions remain widespread across much of the Philippines, indicating that heat stress is present and bleaching conditions may continue to develop if elevated sea surface temperatures persist.
What can we do?
For patrollers who have access to a reef, please be our eyes underwater and continue to MONITOR OUR REEFS for bleaching or no bleaching. ๐๐ Healthy reefs are just as important to document as affected reefs, as they help us understand reef resilience across the country.
We are transitioning to a new reporting platform. Kindly send photos for validation and documentation through this form:
https://tinyurl.com/phcoralreefreport
For those who have already submitted reports, please continue monitoring previously affected reefs and document signs of recovery or further decline.
With YOUR help, we will be able to:
1. map out the extent of coral bleaching and other reef stressors;
2. identify areas that have recovered from bleaching;
3. identify which reefs are more resilient than others; and
4. identify potential reefs of hope around the Philippines which can be used to enhance coral reef conservation efforts. Recovery stories are vital and help us better understand which reefs may withstand future marine heatwaves.
Every observation contributes to the protection of Philippine reefs. ๐๐
Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.
๐จ Alert level โWatchโ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
๐งAlert level โWarningโ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
๐ฅAlert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
๐ฅ ๐ฅAlert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)
โธป
What is CORAL BLEACHING? ๐๐
Coral bleaching is a response to environmental stress, including elevated ocean temperatures, coral diseases, pollution, sedimentation, and other disturbances. During a bleaching event, corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that provide much of their food and color. As a result, corals turn white or pale. If stressful conditions persist for too long, corals may die.
Mass coral bleaching events are often associated with unusually warm sea surface temperatures and prolonged marine heatwaves.
Map based on NOAA Coral Reef Watch 5-km Bleaching Alert Area product (15 June 2026).
https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/vs/map_full.html
