A team of marine scientists from the University of Sydney has published a study revealing the devastating impact of coral bleaching on the southern Great Barrier Reef in early 2024. Led by Professor Maria Byrne, the research highlights the alarming effects of unprecedented marine heatwaves on coral ecosystems.
The study tracked the health of 462 coral colonies at One Tree Island over 161 days and found that 66% were bleached by February 2024 and 80% by April. By July, 44% of the bleached colonies had died, with some experiencing a staggering 95% mortality rate.
The research team identified black band disease as a significant contributor to the high mortality rates. The study emphasizes that rapid bleaching and disease in previously resilient corals pose challenges for predicting future coral reef ecosystems in a warming world.
The implications of this research extend beyond ecology and conservation, highlighting the need for immediate action to safeguard these ecosystems. As the Great Barrier Reef faces increasing threats from climate change, policymakers, scientists, and local communities must collaborate to conserve these vital ecosystems.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need to protect coral reefs, which are not only biodiversity hotspots but also crucial for food security and coastal protection. With the reef’s highly protected status not preventing mass bleaching, its role in facilitating recovery will be critical to observe.
Source: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/cycle-of-coral-bleaching-on-the-great-barrier-reef-now-at-catastrophic-levels