Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 9, 1 September 2017 — Documentary looks at coral bleaching [ARTICLE]

Documentary looks at coral bleaching

As Hawai'i lawmakers debate a ban on sunscreen containing oxybenzone to protect coral reefs, a new documentary streaming on Netflix explores the phenomenon of coral bleaching.

Oxybenzone, a ehemieal used in several sunscreens, causes death in baby coral - potentially destroying entire reef systems. "Chasing Coral" directed by Jeff Orlowski, documents an attempt to record coral bleaching events in real time, while shining a light on the issue of mass coral death, whieh is transforming the underwater landscape. A bill to ban oxybenzone eontaining sunscreen failed during the last legislative session but some lawmakers have indicated they'll make another attempt at getting it passed in 2018.