Great Barrier Reef Faces Unprecedented Coral Bleaching Crisis

A new study reveals catastrophic coral bleaching and mortality on the southern Great Barrier Reef, driven by extreme marine heatwaves.

University of Sydney researchers documented severe coral bleaching on 462 colonies at One Tree Island in early 2024, with 80% bleached by April and 44% dead by July.
Some coral genera, such as Acropora, experienced mortality rates as high as 95%, while Goniopora corals were afflicted by black band disease.
The study highlights the devastating impact of 2023–2024 global marine heatwaves on coral ecosystems, even in highly protected areas of the reef.
Scientists warn that the rapid onset of bleaching and disease in previously resilient corals poses significant challenges for predicting future reef health.
The findings emphasize the urgent need for collaborative conservation efforts involving policymakers, local communities, and scientists to protect these vital ecosystems.