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CBC
5 days ago
- Science
- CBC
Australia's Great Barrier Reef sees sharp decline in coral cover in 2 regions
Australia's Great Barrier Reef has suffered the largest decline in coral cover in two of its three regions over the last year, research released on Wednesday showed, following a mass bleaching of its corals that was among the worst on record. The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences said the reef has experienced the largest annual decline in coral cover in its northern and southern regions since monitoring began 39 years ago, with coral cover dropping between a quarter and a third after several years of solid growth. "We are now seeing increased volatility in the levels of hard coral cover," said Mike Emslie, head of institute's long term monitoring program. "This is a phenomenon that emerged over the last 15 years and points to an ecosystem under stress." WATCH | Mass bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef: Coral reefs experiencing mass bleaching event 1 year ago The reef, the world's largest living ecosystem, stretches for some 2,400 kilometres off the coast of the northern state of Queensland. Since 2016, the reef has experienced five summers of mass coral bleaching, when large sections of the reef turn white due to heat stress, putting them at greater risk of death. The 2024 event had the largest footprint ever recorded on the reef, with high to extreme bleaching across all of its three regions, the report said. The Great Barrier Reef is not currently on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites that are in danger, though the UN recommends it should be added.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Straits Times
Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline following mass bleaching
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Assorted reef fish swim above a finger coral colony as it grows on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns, Australia October 25, 2019. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo SYDNEY - Australia's Great Barrier Reef has suffered the largest decline in coral cover in two of its three regions over the last year, research released on Wednesday showed, following a mass bleaching of its corals that was among the worst on record. The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences said the reef has experienced the largest annual decline in coral cover in its northern and southern regions since monitoring began 39 years ago, with coral cover dropping between a quarter and a third after several years of solid growth. "We are now seeing increased volatility in the levels of hard coral cover," said Mike Emslie, head of institute's long term monitoring programme. "This is a phenomenon that emerged over the last 15 years and points to an ecosystem under stress." The reef, the world's largest living ecosystem, stretches for some 2,400 km (1,500 miles) off the coast of the northern state of Queensland. Since 2016, the reef has experienced five summers of mass coral bleaching, when large sections of the reef turn white due to heat stress, putting them at greater risk of death. The 2024 event had the largest footprint ever recorded on the reef, with high to extreme bleaching across all of its three regions, the report said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Finding hidden vapes: Inside ICA's mission to uncover contraband at land checkpoints Singapore Delays on East-West MRT Line between Boon Lay and Buona Vista due to track point fault Singapore Sorting recyclables by material could boost low domestic recycling rate: Observers Singapore SM Lee receives Australia's highest civilian honour for advancing bilateral ties Asia Trump's sharp India criticism on tariffs, Russia oil corner Modi as rift deepens Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan The Great Barrier Reef is not currently on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites that are in danger, though the UN recommends it should be added. Australia has lobbied for years to keep the reef - which contributes A$6.4 billion ($4.2 billion) to the economy annually - off the endangered list, as it could damage tourism. REUTERS
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make 'fascinating' discovery after examining isolated areas of ocean: 'Substantially more work is required'
A new study published by oceanographers from the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS) found that remote atoll coral reefs are more resilient than previously thought because of their ability to exchange larvae across the coral systems. The AIMS news release, published on detailed how coral reefs are suffering from the effects of the climate crisis. Rising global temperatures can cause coral to become stressed and expel the algae that live in their tissues, leaving their white skeletons exposed. Bleaching, the name for this process, doesn't kill the coral but leaves it vulnerable to starvation and disease. The new study shows even isolated reefs can self-seed and make a comeback. Researchers studied isolated atoll coral reefs — ring-shaped coral reefs, islands, or series of islets that surround a lagoon — in the Scott system of reefs off the northwest coast of Australia. The team found that the corals are able to share larvae across the reef system and recover from disturbances over a period of years. Isolated atoll reefs are more susceptible to damage from incidents like warmer waters and increasingly severe storms because they're not connected to other reefs, which could share new corals and help recovery. But the new research shows that these communities are actually able to share larvae within their own systems to allow new growth, and recuperate even after multiple damaging events. Authors of the new study wrote, "Our findings highlight the previously overlooked role of local scale dispersal in driving recovery of isolated reef systems and emphasize the importance of targeted local management actions." If scientists can enhance and preserve local connectivity among the reefs, the coral systems could retain better health and build resilience. Reef systems are critical for the health of all marine ecosystems, and they help protect shore communities from storms. Long-distance dispersal could also aid reef recovery, but more data needs to be collected on the subject. Researchers for the study noted, "Substantially more work is required to understand the role of long-distance dispersal (both from and to other reefs)." Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The AIMS team used extensive modeling to incorporate ocean currents and other variables into their study. Dr. Camille Grimaldi, an AIMS research scientist, said, "Our study shows that the internal dynamics of a reef system play a key role and influence how effectively a reef can self-seed and recover from disturbances." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
