A recent report from Australian authorities has delivered concerning news about the state of the Great Barrier Reef, revealing that approximately three-quarters of the reef is experiencing coral bleaching. This announcement comes on the heels of warnings from climate scientists about the widespread impact of bleaching on coral reefs worldwide.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coral bleaching has affected at least 54 countries and regions since February 2023, primarily due to the warming of the ocean’s surface waters caused by climate change.
Also Read: Extreme heat causes mass coral bleaching of Great Barrier Reef, fifth one in eight years
Roger Beeden, representing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, expressed the challenges faced by the ecosystem, stating, “The Great Barrier Reef is an incredible ecosystem, and while it has shown its resilience time and time again, this summer has been particularly challenging.” He emphasized that climate change poses the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs globally.
The Authority’s report revealed that coral bleaching was observed on 73% of the surveyed reefs in the park. Coral bleaching occurs when changes in water temperatures prompt corals to expel the colorful algae living in their tissues. Without these algae, corals struggle to survive as they rely on them for nutrients.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Coral Reef Watch, a leading coral reef monitoring body operated by the NOAA, declared the fourth global bleaching event in the last three decades earlier this week.
The concerning state of the Great Barrier Reef underscores the urgent need for decisive action to address climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems. As efforts to combat climate change intensify, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collective action to preserve these vital marine habitats for future generations.
