Scientists “horrified” by severe coral death in the Great Barrier Reef

Scientists have reported that at least 97 percent of corals on a reef in the Great Barrier Reef have perished over the past few months. This “horrifying” event is being recognized as one of the world’s worst coral bleaching incidents. Using drone imagery, researchers have analysed the coral death on a reef at Lizard Island.

Marine biologists and environmental experts are now urging and calling the Australian government to release data on coral mortality rates urgently, particularly after last summer’s mass bleaching observed last summer.

Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their vibrant colours and turn white due to changes in temperature. This phenomenon has emerged as a global crisis, driven by rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change and pollution.

Professor Jane Williamson, a marine biologist from Macquarie University who was part of the team studying the corals on Lizard Island, expressed her concern over the findings. She said “I was ‘horrified’ after seeing the analysis,”. The team had initially flown drones over the reef in March to assess the extent of bleaching and fluorescing. Upon repeating the survey last month, they were shocked to discover that most of the corals had died.

“At least 97 percent of the corals had died over those three months. We were there to do our sea cucumber monitoring work, but there was silence amongst us nine researchers,” Professor Williamson stated. “We came out of the water and didn’t know what to say. It’s an iconic reef and most of it was dead.”

Dr. Lyle Vail, the director of the Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station, described the situation as “heartbreaking.” He expressed her concern over the loss of the coral recovery that had been underway, highlighting the profound impact of this bleaching event on the reef’s ecosystem.

UNESCO has also weighed in on the issue, assuring Australia that the reef would not be placed on the list of “endangered” sites for now. However, the organisation cautioned Australia to improve its climate targets to prevent further damage. “[Australia] is urged to make mortality rates public as soon as possible,” UNESCO stated in a report.

The mass coral bleaching event has highlighted the urgent need for action to address the causes of coral bleaching that is primarily climate change and pollution. As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of bleaching events are expected to increase, which is a significant threat to coral reefs worldwide.

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the most iconic and biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, has been particularly vulnerable to these changes. The reef is home to thousands of marine species and plays a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity. The loss of coral not only affects the reef’s health but also impacts the broader marine environment and the livelihoods of communities that depend on it.

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