Great Barrier Reef is losing coral at the fastest rate in decades, scientists say
7 August 21:57
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia has experienced the largest annual decline in the area of living corals in almost 40 years of observation. This was reported by AP with reference to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to researchers, during the year, coral cover decreased by:
- almost 30% in the southern part of the reef;
- 25% – in the north;
- 14% – in the central region.
The losses were caused by the global heat wave of 2023-2024, which led to the fourth massive coral bleaching in history. In total, it is estimated that about 84% of the world’s coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef, have been affected.
The mass bleaching began in January 2023 and was declared a global crisis in April 2024. The previous largest episode was recorded in 2014-2017, when 68.2% of corals were affected by heat stress.
Scientists have previously warned that reefs in the northern Great Barrier Reef have suffered significant losses due to extreme heat, two cyclones, and flooding.
