Researchers will be sharing their latest observations on how warmer-than normal ocean temperatures are causing large sections of Oahu’s coral reefs to expel algae.

The phenomenon called coral bleaching can kill coral, an organism at the foundation of Hawaii’s marine environment.

Earlier this month, Department of Land and Natural Resource officials said 75 percent of the dominant coral species in Kaneohe Bay showed signs of bleaching.

Researchers working on a global study of coral reefs are also studying Oahu’s reefs and will discuss their findings on Friday. Catlin Seaview Survey scientists are on Oahu this week.

Ocean temperatures off Oahu climbed as high as 86 degrees last month. The island’s sea surface temperatures normally don’t exceed 83 degrees.