Corals in Palau's Rock Islands appear to be heat-resistant, with some reefs remaining healthy despite warming seas. However, reports also indicate that even the toughest corals are experiencing negative effects, such as shrinking, and that coral bleaching has damaged a significant portion of reefs. The extent to which corals in Palau's Rock Islands are thriving or struggling is unclear, with some studies suggesting they are resilient and others indicating they are still vulnerable to thermal stress.