The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing unprecedented coral mortality, with recent surveys revealing up to 72% coral death in some areas. Conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, these findings highlight the severe impacts of mass bleaching, cyclones, and flooding over the past summer.
In northern sections of the reef, a staggering one-third of hard coral has perished, marking the largest annual decline in 39 years of monitoring. This year alone has seen the fifth mass bleaching event in eight years, raising alarms about the reef's resilience.
Lead researcher Mike Emslie described the recent summer as one of the most intense periods of heat stress, leading to serious losses. The rapid-growing acropora coral, known for its vulnerability to bleaching, has suffered particularly high mortality rates.
Experts warn that while the reef has the potential to recover, it is nearing a tipping point where repeated stressors could prevent regeneration. Calls for stronger emission reduction targets have intensified, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect this vital ecosystem.