The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system and is often described as the largest living structure. With all its colors and biodiversity, it is definitely a marvel of nature. However, the colors fade due to bleaching, and the corals turn white and die. Now, Australian research suggests 72 percent of coral mortality has occurred in 12 reefs that were studied due to a summer of flooding, mass bleaching events, and two cyclones. Scientists fear that the other parts of the reef might have faced the same effects of mass bleaching.
The research, conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, has also found the “largest annual decline” ever in one northern part of the reef, where almost a third of hard coral have died.
Bleaching events occur when the water temperature rises. Corals expel microscopic algae called zooxanthellae to survive under these conditions. If the higher temperature persists, the corals can turn white and ultimately die.
This mass bleaching event is the fifth in the last eight years and has severely hit a fast-growing kind of coral called Acropora. Despite its quick growth, it has suffered the highest rate of death, as it is one of the first to bleach.
The hotter-than-usual waters have surpassed previous events. According to lead researcher Mike Emslie, this mass bleaching event is one of the most severe in recent history. The corals have been known to bounce back and prove resilient. However, the current scenario is far worse than usual, and repeated bleaching events might push the reef over the edge. It is high time that Australia recognizes the threat. The country should adopt stricter carbon footprint and emission reduction policies to save the corals and the Great Barrier Reef. Only recently has the country chosen to be carbon neutral, which is seen as a positive step.
Copyright @smorescience. All rights reserved. Do not copy, cite, publish, or distribute this content without permission.
