Australia confirms mass coral bleaching on Great Barrier Reef Posted by Anita Froneman on 25 March 2022 Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has confirmed a mass coral bleaching event. This is the fourth such event in six years, despite La Niña conditions which typically mean cooler temperatures. Picture: Unsplash ‘The Reef Authority, together with our partners at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, have completed aerial surveys across a representative sample of 750 reefs on the Great Barrier Reef,’ the Authority said. ‘The bleaching observed from the air was largely consistent with the spatial distribution of the heat stress experienced.’ What is coral bleaching? Corals have a symbiotic relationship with algae (zooxanthellae) living in them, which provides them with most of their nutrients. If corals experience changes in conditions – including water temperature, light and pollution – they can become stressed, losing this algae. Without it, the corals struggle to meet their energy requirements. Bleached corals lose their colour and become a faded white-brown. This phenomenon is largely attributed to climate change resulting in rising water temperatures. Corals can survive bleaching, but it leads to malnutrition which makes them vulnerable and could lead to death in the case of prolonged exposure. ‘The Reef Authority, along with our partners at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, is continuing to analyse data gathered over the past fortnight, however aerial surveys can only reliably observe shallow corals, down to about five metres. As such we are also conducting in-water surveys at selected reefs to get a better idea of the depth profile of bleaching,’ the Authority added. ALSO READ Maldives resort launches project to save dying coral reefs Thailand removes PCR tests for vaccinated travellers Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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