Australia's Great Barrier Reef has experienced a significant coral bleaching event, indicating heat stress patterns that have been present at the diverse site over the summer, according to a government agency.
Big coral bleaching occurs in Australia's Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has confirmed a widespread mass coral bleaching event is occurring across the reef.
Aerial surveys reveal extensive coral bleaching in shallow water areas, but in-water surveys are needed to confirm the severity and depth range of the bleaching, as stated by Roger Beeden, Chief Scientist at GBRMPA.
Beeden reported that global reef bleaching is a result of rising sea surface temperatures, primarily due to climate change, but also exacerbated by El Nino's warmer ocean waters.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned of a fourth mass coral bleaching event, potentially causing widespread tropical reef death, including parts of the Great Barrier Reef.
The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia has reported the fifth mass bleaching event in eight years, indicating significant pressure from climate change on the reef.
WWF-Australia's Head of Oceans, Richard Leck, expressed concern over the bleaching event occurring in an area where corals have not been previously exposed to extreme temperatures, stating that unless temperatures drop significantly in the next few weeks, significant coral mortality is high.
Bleaching is a process where corals turn white due to the expulsion of algae, which can stunt growth and impact reproduction.
Australia has been advocating for years to keep the A$6 billion ($4 billion) reef off UNESCO's endangered list, as it could potentially lose its heritage status and diminish its tourist attraction.