Australian scientists have recorded the highest coral mortality in 39 years of observations, with up to 72% of corals dead on 12 reefs. At one northern site, about a third of hard corals died due to rising water temperatures.
Parts of the Great Barrier Reef have experienced the highest coral mortality in the history of observations. This is stated in a study conducted by Australian scientists, UNN writes with reference to CBS News.
Details
The Australian Institute of Marine Science reported that a study of 12 reefs found up to 72% of dead corals due to.
In one northern section of the reef, about a third of the hard corals have died, the "largest annual decline" in 39 years of government monitoring.
The Great Barrier Reef, often referred to as the largest living structure in the world, is almost 2,000 kilometers of tropical coral containing stunning biodiversity. But recently, corals have been fading, turning a sickly shade of white.
Bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise and corals expel microscopic algae known as zooxanthellae to survive.
If the high temperatures persist, the coral can eventually turn white and die.
This year, it was confirmed that this is the fifth massive coral bleaching on the reef in the last eight years.
But the latest study also found that the fastest-growing species of coral known as acropora is dying the most. This coral grows quickly, but it is also one of the first to discolor.
Lead researcher Mike Emslie told public broadcaster ABC that last summer was "one of the most severe events" on the Great Barrier Reef, with heat stress levels exceeding all other indicators.
Richard Leck, Head of Oceans at the World Wildlife Fund in Australia, said that the Great Barrier Reef can recover, but there are limits to its sustainability.
It can't keep getting hit like this. We are rapidly approaching a tipping point
– He said.
Leck added that the study area was "relatively small" and expressed concern that when the full report is published next year, "there will be a similar mortality rate.
He said that the study's findings confirm the need for Australia to commit to reducing emissions by at least 90% from 2005 levels by 2035 and to phase out fossil fuels.
Recall
Scientists have long identified that global warming is having a negative impact on coral reefs, and recent studies have shown that climate change will cause major damage to the ocean, with consequences for nature and humanity.