If the water temperature in the bay has increased by one degree Celsius, the most likely outcome is that the coral reef will experience a bleaching event.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals become stressed due to changes in environmental conditions, such as increased water temperature. When stressed, corals expel the zooxanthellae algae that live in their tissues, which are essential for their survival and color. If the stress is prolonged, it can lead to significant coral mortality. While a small increase in temperature may not immediately kill the corals, it can put them at risk for bleaching and can have long-term negative effects on the health of the reef.