Oil and gas giant TotalEnergies faces mounting criticism after satellite imagery revealed it allegedly damaged a coral reef in Mozambique during preparations for a liquefied natural gas project in Cabo Delgado. Environmental analysts say the company appears to have been caught flat-footed by the extent of the sensitive marine ecosystem surrounding the project site.

Fossil fuel industry analyst Louis Goddard told Mongabay that developers face a tricky task building without significant damage to the rich marine environments. Data scientists analyzing satellite imagery found a massive chunk of coral had been dredged from the ecologically sensitive reef. These projects threaten the biodiversity hotspot that provides shelter for 25% of all marine life and supports local fishing and tourism economies.

Conservationists warn that urgent action is needed to protect Mozambique's threatened coral reefs before irreversible damage occurs. Ocean acidification, overfishing, pollution, and coastal construction are already killing reefs at an alarming rate. Environmental justice advocate Daniel Ribeiro emphasized that the Indian Ocean's rapid temperature increase makes recovery after damage much more difficult. Conservation efforts including limiting fishing, reducing pollution, and breeding heat-tolerant corals offer hope, but researchers stress these measures are not long-term solutions without addressing broader climate challenges.