Originally Posted by Cynicor

Completely agree. Definitely didn't hit 39 but the El Niņo wiped out reefs worldwide, mostly across the pacific. The fish keep the algae under control and over fishing has removed that essential point from the ecofsystem. Even the cucumbers help, it's all very interrelated. From here in Vava'u I can see what the reefs in the Maldives will be like in 2-3 years if they have died rather than just bleached. Hopefully some of them have picked up or will, soon.

The sea life will survive in a more limited form for a while but eventually it too will collapse. Much more needs to be done about warming overall. Unfortunately out Aussie clowns in government are extreme deniers, like in the USA.

better get your trips booked soon if you want to snorkel again!