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Unhealthy Coral Reef, Kiritimi, Line Islands

Preview Algae has overtaken this coral reef off heavily populated Kiritimati, or Christmas Island.
(Jennifer E. Smith/Scripps Institution of Oceanography)

Algae has overtaken this coral reef off heavily populated Kiritimati, or Christmas Island. Few fish swim in the murky waters. The causes include pollution, overfishing, and increased water temperature. More about coral reef ecosystems can be found in our Coral Reefs featured story.

Tags: Algae