Great Barrier Reef Faces Unprecedented Coral Mortality

Recent surveys reveal severe coral loss due to marine heatwaves and cyclones, threatening the reef's resilience.

Up to 72% of coral mortality recorded on 12 of 19 surveyed reefs, marking the largest annual decline in 39 years.
The northern section near Lizard Island experienced significant losses, with over a third of hard coral cover lost.
Climate change-driven heat stress, along with cyclones Jasper and Kirrily, are identified as primary causes of the damage.
Rapid-growing Acropora corals, which are highly susceptible to bleaching, suffered the highest death rates.
Experts warn of approaching a tipping point for the reef's resilience, urging stronger emission reduction targets.