Climate Change Puts Tremendous Pressure on Australia’s Coral Reef
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is experiencing a significant coral bleaching event, consistent with patterns of heat stress accumulated over the summer months, according to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
The GBRMPA, the agency responsible for monitoring the reef’s health, confirmed that a “widespread, often called mass, coral bleaching event is unfolding” across the vast expanse of the reef.
“While the area’s aerial surveys are showing that the coral bleaching is extensive in the shallow water areas, we will need in-water surveys to confirm the severity of the coral bleaching and also what the depth range is,” said Roger Beeden, Chief Scientist at GBRMPA, in a video message.
This bleaching event is the latest in a series of episodes that have plagued the world’s largest coral reef system, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. The Great Barrier Reef, renowned for its biodiversity, is a World Heritage site and a crucial component of the oceanic environment.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients. The current heat stress is attributed to rising sea temperatures, a consequence of global climate change. Prolonged bleaching can lead to coral death, affecting the entire marine food chain and posing significant implications for biodiversity.
The GBRMPA is conducting further assessments to determine the full extent of the damage. “Our teams are working diligently to understand the severity and spatial extent of this event,” Beeden added. “This information is crucial for informing our management response and working with partners to support the reef’s resilience.”
The situation underscores the urgent need for global action on climate change to protect vital ecosystems. The health of the Great Barrier Reef is not only an environmental concern but also holds economic and cultural significance, particularly for communities in the Asia-Pacific region that rely on marine resources.
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Climate change puts 'tremendous pressure' on Australia's coral reef
cgtn.com
