Scientists have reported the worst coral bleaching occurring on Hawaii Island's wind-facing coast. The research team has blamed the lack of trade winds in the region for the bleaching.

A research carried out in this area shows that nearly 75% of a dominant and significant coral species in the Kaneohe bay showed signs of bleaching. These signs range from the early stages to being completely bleached out, dead or dying. The detailed research was carried out on the windward north-east coast.

The major reason for this problem is the scorching heat in the area as last month was the hottest September since the 1940s. This high temperature is causing the growth of algae, which lives inside the coral. It is used as a food source, which results in the bleaching.

Besides, the Kaneohe bay bleaching is also being reported in other areas on the island, including Wakiki and Hanauma Bay. Anne Rosinski of the Division of Aquatic resources predicts that this thing will go on for four-six weeks, and will eventually worsen.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Rosinski said it is important that the coral is better cared for, so that it does not respond to additional stressors, such as increased temperature.

Frazer McGilvray, the Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources, added that the recovery of lost coral would not be easy at all.

This threat of losing coral also poses a great threat to Hawaii's economy, which draws a large amount of income from tourism and this bleaching may affect the tourist population. In this context, McGilvray said, "People come to Hawaii to see corals, they come to Hawaii to use our oceans, if our corals die, it could potentially take a long, long time for them to recover".

During this time of the year, trade winds blow more consistently in Hawaii and provide some relief from the temperate humidity. But this year the lack of trade winds has been taking its toll in a big way.