The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) says a dramatic rise in sea temperature, potentially linked to global warming, is responsible for the devastation.
Comment: One alternative explanation comes to mind: the numerous undersea volcanos being discovered, and erupting more frequently: Quakes due to Undersea Volcanos, Scientists Discover Explosive Deep Ocean Volcano, and yet another Huge Undersea Volcano Discovered
In May, the WCS sent marine biologists to investigate coral bleaching reported in Aceh - a province of Indonesia - located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. The initial survey carried out by the team revealed that more than 60 percent of corals in the area were bleached.
Subsequent monitoring of the Indonesian corals completed in early August revealed one of the most rapid and severe coral mortality events ever recorded. The scientists found that 80 percent of some species have died since the initial assessment, and more colonies are expected to die within the next few months.