New Mass Bleaching Event Hits Australian Grand Barrier Reef

Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef is again hit by a mass bleaching event, confirmed by officials. It is the fifth time in just eight years that widespread damage has been detected at the World Heritage site. The event of bleaching occurs when heat-stressed corals expel the algae despite it giving them life and color. Until 2016, only accounts of mass bleaching events had been reported which reflects how big the problem of global warming has become. The scientists have also urged for immediate climate change action needs to be taken. Greenpeace Australia’s David Ritter said, “The frequency and scale at which these mass bleaching events are now occurring is frightening – every summer we’re holding our breath.” “Claims that Australia is taking the health of the Great Barrier Reef seriously ring hollow when we continue to expand and subsidize the coal and gas industry to the tune of billions every year,” he continued.

The Climate Council’s Simon Bradshaw added, “It’s literally cooking the Reef.” Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300km (1,400 miles) off the country’s northeast coast and is the world’s largest coral system. It is also the world’s one of the most biodiverse habitats. From the tip of Australia to the city of Bundaberg, an ariel survey of 320 reefs showed that prevalent bleaching is what most are experiencing immediately after a summer full of heightened sea temperatures. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority stated that in-water examinations are underway to determine the depth of the damage which most likely varies across the reef. The body’s Chief Scientist Roger Beeden said that the southern zone’s bleaching was the worst in almost 20 years and could easily become “unprecedented”. “It’s too early to say what the full consequences of this event is,” he said. “If the conditions cool, we could see a lot of what’s bleached recover,” he mentioned. He further added that over the last couple of years, the reef has rebuilt itself from other mass bleaching events along with crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, and severe tropical cyclones.

It was high global sea temperatures that have recently triggered and caused the bleaching events in the northern hemisphere. This week’s bleaching was spotted also on the world’s southernmost reef at Lord Howe Island. This Lord Howe Island also lies in Australian waters. The Great Barrier Reef was added to the heritage list around 40 years ago due to its “enormous” importance. However, UNESCO said that the reef is under great threat from global warming and sea pollution. Australian governments for several years have fought hard to keep the reef from being declared as “in danger”. An immediate tourist drawcard could also cause the Grand Barrier Reef to lose its heritage status. The decision is set in motion to be reviewed in upcoming July. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek called climate change “the biggest threat to coral reefs worldwide” and said her government has also increased the budget for reef conservation while introducing stronger emissions-reduction targets.