Great Barrier Reef - Potential Significant Bleaching

The Great Barrier Reef

This large underwater mass, classified as the largest living organism in the world, is recognized for its vast supply of lifeforms and can even be seen from outer space.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's biggest coral reef system formed by more than 2,900 singular reefs and 900 islands covering over 214,000 square miles from the Torres Strait to the Bundaberg. This large underwater mass, classified as the largest living organism in the world, is recognized for its vast supply of lifeforms and can even be seen from outer space.

The Issue

Unfortunately, throughout the past two decades across the globe, there have been numerous events of large scale coral bleaching occurring. These reefs have been closely monitored during this time period by organizations such as AIMS (Australian Institution of Marine Science).

Most recently the rising temperatures in Australia, which have caused wildfires among many other implications, have also affected the beautiful coral reefs. In particular, Eastern Australia has endured an increased period of hotter than typical water temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees celsius across 66% of the reefs. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has announced that due to this heat rise areas of the Great Barrier Reef are exhibiting signs of heat stress, indicating potential impending coral bleaching.

What Can Be Done?

Avoiding chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers and volunteering for reef cleanups without a doubt have a positive impact. However, there is not much we can do to prevent coral bleaching due to water temperature rise. This is all the more reason to raise awareness towards climate change. It is apparent that global warming is the main driver of these events and we must spark the change needed to prevent this from further happening.