Aerial surveys confirm nearly 1,200 km of reef affected, raising alarms for the future of the iconic marine ecosystem.
The Great Barrier Reef has officially experienced its sixth mass coral bleaching event, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has confirmed. Aerial surveys revealed that nearly the entire 1,200 km stretch of the reef has been affected by the heat, with little to no areas escaping the extreme temperatures.
This year marks a significant and troubling milestone, as it is the first time that a mass bleaching event has occurred during a La Niña year, a period traditionally expected to help corals recover. Scientists had hoped for a reprieve, but instead, the reef has been hit once again, underscoring the alarming effects of climate change.
Dr. David Wachenfeld, GBRMPA’s chief scientist, expressed concern over the event, stating that coral bleaching was not anticipated during a La Niña year. However, the ongoing rise in global temperatures—about 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels—has led to more unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events like this.
This mass bleaching event is another stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect not only the Great Barrier Reef but other vulnerable ecosystems around the world. The United Nations is currently investigating the reef’s health and management, with preliminary findings set to be shared in Townsville.
Experts emphasize that the health of the reef is rapidly deteriorating, and immediate action on climate change is critical to its survival.
