Miami, FL, Apr 7, (RHC), – Florida's coral reefs could be hit by widespread coral bleaching events sooner than scientists previously thought.

According to a study by climate scientists with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, by 2030, ocean waters around Florida's southern coasts could become warm enough to kill vast swaths of coral reef.

Coral bleaching occurs when environmental changes cause coral to expel the algae living in its tissue. This makes the coral lose their color and turn completely white as more and more of the algae disperse.

According to the scientists, rising ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean are worsening the problems. Other locations that are set to experience coral bleaching in the next 15 years also include the Bahamas, Mexico, Cuba, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.