Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch

05/08/2026

5 August 2026 Bleaching Alert Update

Less areas under alert level 1 and 2 since last week.

🟥🔥 Alert Level 2 in parts of Eastern Philippines, including Sorsogon Bay, where significant bleaching is expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely

🟥 Alert Level 1. Bleaching is expected in these areas (i.e El Nido) and reports from the field are highly encouraged.

🟧 Alert Level ‘Warning’. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.

🟨 Alert Level ‘Watch’ 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. 🐟🐠 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. 🌊💙

Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.

🟨 Alert level ‘Watch’ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
🟧Alert level ‘Warning’ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
🟥Alert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
🟥 🔥Alert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)

⸻

What is CORAL BLEACHING? 🐟🐠

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 (20 July 2026).
https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/vs/map_full.html

22/07/2026

22 July 2026 Bleaching Alert Update

Almost same areas under alert since last week. Eastern part of Luzon and parts of Central Visayas remain at Alert Level 1 where bleaching is likely happening.

🟥🔥 Alert Level 2 in Lamon bay, Asid Gulf near Masbate, and Maqueda bay near Catbalogan in Samar, where significant bleaching is expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely

🟥 Alert Level 1 conditions are present in several reef areas, particularly in parts of Eastern Philippines (i. Calabarzon, Bicol), Lamon Bay, Northern Panay Island, Western Samar, around Bantayan Island, and Northern Bohol. Bleaching is expected in these areas, and reports from the field are highly encouraged.

🟧 Alert Level ‘Warning’ is observed in some areas. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.

🟨 Alert Level ‘Watch’ 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. 🐟🐠 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. 🌊💙

Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.

🟨 Alert level ‘Watch’ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
🟧Alert level ‘Warning’ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
🟥Alert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
🟥 🔥Alert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)

⸻

What is CORAL BLEACHING? 🐟🐠

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 (20 July 2026).
https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/vs/map_full.html

16/07/2026

16 July 2026 Bleaching Alert Update

Eastern part of Luzon and parts of Central Visayas remain at Alert Level 1 where bleaching is likely happening.

🟥🔥 Alert Level 2 in Lamon bay, Asid Gulf near Masbate, and Maqueda bay near Catbalogan in Samar, where significant bleaching is expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely

🟥 Alert Level 1 conditions are present in several reef areas, particularly in parts of Eastern Philippines (i. Calabarzon, Bicol), Tayabas bay, Lamon Bay, Masbate, Northern Panay Island, Western Samar, and some parts north of Tawi-Tawi. Bleaching is expected in these areas, and reports from the field are highly encouraged.

🟧 Alert Level ‘Warning’ is observed in some areas. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.

🟨 Alert Level ‘Watch’ 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. 🐟🐠 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. 🌊💙

Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.

🟨 Alert level ‘Watch’ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
🟧Alert level ‘Warning’ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
🟥Alert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
🟥 🔥Alert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)

⸻

What is CORAL BLEACHING? 🐟🐠

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 (14 July 2026).
https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/vs/map_full.html

08/07/2026

8 July 2026 Bleaching Alert Update

Almost the same areas remain under Alert Level 1 and 2 where bleaching is likely happening. Some areas on Alert Level ‘Watch’ last week are now at Alert Level ‘Warning’ which means that thermal stress is accumulating with bleaching possibly happening.

🟥🔥 Alert Level 2 in parts of Sibuguey bay, and Asid Gulf near Masbate where significant bleaching is expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely

🟥 Alert Level 1 conditions are present in several reef areas, particularly in parts of Eastern Philippines (i. Calabarzon, Bicol), Northern Palawan (Taytay, El Nido, Coron), Tayabas bay, Lamon Bay, Masbate, Northern Panay Island, Western Samar, Southern Negros, Sulu Sea and Southern Mindanao. Bleaching is expected in these areas, and reports from the field are highly encouraged.

🟧 Alert Level ‘Warning’ is observed. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.

🟨 Alert Level ‘Watch’ 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. 🐟🐠 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. 🌊💙

Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.

🟨 Alert level ‘Watch’ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
🟧Alert level ‘Warning’ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
🟥Alert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
🟥 🔥Alert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)

⸻

What is CORAL BLEACHING? 🐟🐠

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 (06 July 2026).
https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/vs/map_full.html

02/07/2026

2 July 2026 Bleaching Alert Update

Almost the same areas remain under Alert Level 1 and 2 where bleaching is likely happening.

🟥🔥 Alert Level 2 in parts of Sibuguey bay, and Asid Gulf near Masbate where significant bleaching is expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely

🟥 Alert Level 1 conditions are present in several reef areas, particularly in parts of Eastern Philippines (i. Calabarzon, Bicol), Northern Palawan (Taytay, El Nido, Coron), Tayabas bay, Lamon Bay, Masbate, Northern Panay Island, Western Samar, Southern Negros, Sulu Sea and Southern Mindanao. Bleaching is expected in these areas, and reports from the field are highly encouraged.

🟧 Alert Level ‘Warning’ is observed but less areas compared to last week’s bleaching alert. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.

🟨 Alert Level ‘Watch’ 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. 🐟🐠 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. 🌊💙

Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.

🟨 Alert level ‘Watch’ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
🟧Alert level ‘Warning’ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
🟥Alert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
🟥 🔥Alert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)

⸻

What is CORAL BLEACHING? 🐟🐠

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 (29 June 2026).
https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/vs/map_full.html

24/06/2026

24 June 2026 Bleaching Alert Update


More areas under Alert Level 1 where bleaching is likely happening.

🟥🔥 Alert Level 2 in parts of Sibuguey bay, and Asid Gulf near Masbate where significant bleaching is expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely

🟥 Alert Level 1 conditions are present in several reef areas, particularly in parts of Eastern Philippines (i. Calabarzon, Bicol), Northern Palawan (Roxas, Taytay, El Nido, Coron), Tayabas bay, Lamon Bay, Masbate, Panay Island, 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.

🟧 Alert Level ‘Warning’ is observed across large portions of Philippine waters. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.

🟨 Alert Level ‘Watch’ 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. 🐟🐠 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. 🌊💙

Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.

🟨 Alert level ‘Watch’ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
🟧Alert level ‘Warning’ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
🟥Alert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
🟥 🔥Alert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)

⸻

What is CORAL BLEACHING? 🐟🐠

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 (22 June 2026).
https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/vs/map_full.html

17/06/2026

18 June 2026 Bleaching Alert Update


🟥🔥 Alert Level 2 in parts of Sibuguey bay where significant bleaching expected; widespread bleaching and coral mortality are likely

🟥 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.

🟧 Alert Level ‘Warning’ is observed across large portions of Philippine waters. These reefs are experiencing accumulating thermal stress, and bleaching may already be occurring in some locations.

🟨 Alert Level ‘Watch’ 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. 🐟🐠 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. 🌊💙

Here is the Bleaching Alert Level guide based on NOAA.

🟨 Alert level ‘Watch’ - Yellow (low thermal stress, possible bleaching is likely to progress)
🟧Alert level ‘Warning’ - Orange(thermal stress accumulating, possible bleaching)
🟥Alert level 1 - Red (bleaching expected, bleaching likely happening)
🟥 🔥Alert level 2 - Dark Red (significant bleaching expected, coral mortality likely)

⸻

What is CORAL BLEACHING? 🐟🐠

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

16/06/2026

🪸 The fourth global coral bleaching event may have subsided, but vigilance remains critical.

While conditions have improved in many regions, ocean temperatures remain elevated, leaving coral ecosystems vulnerable to future marine heatwaves.

With forecasts indicating the possible development of El Niño conditions later in 2026, there is concern that coral reefs could once again face increased thermal stress. This is the time to strengthen reef monitoring, reduce local pressures on reefs, and support efforts that improve coral resilience in a warming ocean.

For the Philippines, healthy coral reefs remain a source of hope, supporting communities, fisheries, and marine life while helping our coastal communities adapt to a changing climate.

🪸🌊🐠

NOAA experts have determined that the fourth global coral bleaching event likely concluded in mid-2025 following unprecedented heat stress across the world’s coral reefs.

Between early 2023 and mid-2025, bleaching-level heat stress impacted 84% of global coral reef areas across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with mass bleaching documented in at least 83 countries and territories.

Researchers are continuing to study coral reefs that showed signs of resilience despite prolonged heat exposure, helping improve our understanding of coral heat tolerance and inform future restoration strategies.

While the global event appears to have subsided, ocean temperatures remain elevated compared to previous decades, and NOAA is forecasting continued bleaching risks for this summer and fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

Learn more: bit.ly/4x5yzZq
NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program