Reducing other sources of stress that promote damage or disease or that weaken coral health can improve bleaching resistance in corals.

Promote healthier coral reefs by reducing impacts of the following:

• Coastal development;

• Pollution;

• Agricultural run-off which generally contains pesticides and fertilizers;

• Deforestation and land use that promote erosion and increase silt loads;

• Urban waste such as sewage and petrochemical products from street drainage;

• Destructive fishing practices such as use of poisons and explosives or those that break corals;

• Overfishing, which studies indicate may inhibit coral recovery from bleaching;

• Tourism activities.

Reduction of these pressures will promote coral health and increase resistance.