Coral reefs

Coral reefs can be very noisy, as this recording from the Great Barrier Reef reveals. But why does it sound like frying bacon?

Witness one of nature's most elusive wonders - the synchronised mass spawning of corals.

Glimpse some of the beautiful coral specimens in our collection and explore why coral diversity is important.

Glimpse the extraordinary lives of corals.

Find out how Dr Ken Johnson is using 12-million-year-old fossil corals to hunt for clues about the future of our reefs.

What can antique corals reveal about the impact of climate change on the ocean?

Caribbean reefs are among the most damaged in the world. Find out how young people in the Bahamas are taking action.

Coral reef research and conservation experts share their passion, hopes and fears for this underwater paradise.

Rising temperatures are pushing many species to the brink, alongside disease, pollution and unsustainable fishing.

Algae and coral have lived together for over 380 million years.

Ocean warming is threatening coral reefs but some reefs are surviving the warming waters and offer hope for these vital ecosystems.

Satellite images have revealed a missing 64,000 square kilometres of coral cover, an area similar to the size of Ireland.

From the headless chicken monster to anal teeth, discover the curious world of sea cucumbers. 

Invasive rats are devastating tropical islands, with effects reaching far beyond the land. 

Coral reefs have declined by over half since the 1950s as they suffer from the effects of climate change and overfishing.

It's the most diverse part of the ocean, but plenty of people have never heard of it.

What can antique corals reveal about the impact of climate change on the ocean?

Glimpse some of the beautiful coral specimens in our collection and explore why coral diversity is important.

Darwin’s first scientific theory wasn’t about evolution, but how coral reefs form around the world.

Follow the Catlin Seaview Survey team in American Samoa as they dive in search of Big Momma, the world's largest recorded coral.

Coral reefs can be very noisy, as this recording from the Great Barrier Reef reveals. But why does it sound like frying bacon?

Discover some of the huge benefits they provide humans and other life on Earth in our infographic video.

Coral reef research and conservation experts share their passion, hopes and fears for this underwater paradise.

When you live in a secret city of the sea, it’s important to keep your wits about you…