Jeju Island soft corals face collapse due to climate change

Scientists and divers are reporting a recurring ‘slumping’ phenomenon affecting soft coral colonies near Jeju Island, South Korea. Unlike hard corals with calcium carbonate skeletons, soft corals rely on internal fluid pressure to remain upright. Rising temperatures and harsher weather conditions linked to climate change are disrupting this pressure, causing the corals to sag, collapse, and die.

The Paran Ocean Citizen Science Center noted that roughly half of a coral cluster off the islet of Beomseom has struggled in recent months. Researchers warn that repeated large-scale slumping events diminish the corals' ability to recover, as they break off and deteriorate following partial recoveries.

The Korea Heritage Service, which manages the national monument soft coral colonies, is conducting long-term research to identify the causes of these changes. Additionally, the Oceans Ministry has announced plans for a detailed investigation to assess the full scale of the damage to these UNESCO-listed marine environments.