A significant coral bleaching event occurred off Amami-Oshima island, with 61.2% of corals dying due to ocean temperatures rising 2 degrees higher than in previous years. Conducted by the Amami Marine Life Research Association, the survey identified increased mortality in bay and reef areas, while the Oshima Straits faced less impact. The event is comparable to the 1998 mass bleaching but without contributing factors like the crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak. Despite the damage, deeper water corals remained unaffected, suggesting potential for recovery.