Climate Change Causes Record Coral Bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef
According to a newly published study by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the "most extensive" coral bleaching has been observed since measurements began at the Great Barrier Reef almost 40 years ago. The cause was the high water temperatures of the past year, which subjected the corals to "unprecedented heat stress."
Climate Change Main Reason for Record Coral Bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef
With rising water temperatures, corals expel the algae living on them to survive. These algae are colorful and microscopic. If water temperatures remain high, the corals turn white and die. In the past two years, more than 80 percent of all coral reefs worldwide have died in this way. "The main reason is climate change," said the institute's lead researcher, Mike Emslie, to the AFP news agency. "There is no doubt about it." The corals also suffer from the effects of tropical cyclones. Additionally, the crown-of-thorns starfish, an invasive species that feeds on corals, is spreading.
According to researchers, the coral bleaching hits species of the genus Acropora the hardest. These corals grow quickly but are also the first to bleach. The reef will take years to recover from the record bleaching - if at all, warn the researchers. Prerequisites for recovery are rapid coral growth and only minimal environmental disturbances.
Researchers Concerned About Record Coral Bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef
WWF marine expert Richard Leck compared the fluctuating state of the Great Barrier Reef to a "roller coaster." "This is a sign that this ecosystem is under incredible stress," he told the AFP news agency. "Reef scientists are deeply concerned if the reef no longer recovers as it has in the past."
The unique 2,300-kilometer-long coral reef off the northeast coast of Australia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area, consisting of 2,500 individual reefs, is home to a unique array of animal and plant life. However, repeated coral bleaching events threaten the Great Barrier Reef. "It's still worth fighting for," said marine researcher Emslie. "We cannot bury our heads in the sand and give up."
(APA/Red)
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