Worst bleaching on record for Western Australian coral reefs
The Western Australian coral reefs have experienced the worst bleaching event on record, according to scientists. The damage was caused by the "longest, largest and most intense" marine heatwave on record, which lasted for several months. The heatwave led to widespread coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae, leaving them vulnerable to disease and death. The affected reefs, including the iconic Ningaloo Reef, have seen a significant decline in coral cover, which is crucial for the overall health and biodiversity of these marine ecosystems. Researchers warn that the increasing frequency and intensity of these heatwaves, driven by climate change, pose a severe threat to the long-term survival of coral reefs worldwide. The findings highlight the urgent need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect these fragile, yet vital, underwater ecosystems.
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