Marine scientists from the University of Sydney have reported alarming findings regarding coral bleaching at the southern Great Barrier Reef during the ongoing global marine heatwave of 2023-2024. Their study, published in Limnology and Oceanography Letters, reveals that 66% of monitored coral colonies experienced bleaching by February 2024, escalating to 80% by April.
By July, 44% of the bleached colonies had perished, with certain species, like Acropora, facing a staggering mortality rate of 95%. The research emphasizes the dire consequences of unprecedented marine heatwaves on coral ecosystems, which are crucial for marine biodiversity and human communities relying on fisheries and tourism.
Prof Maria Byrne, leading the research team, highlighted the urgent need for collaborative conservation efforts involving local communities, scientists, and policymakers. Despite its protected status, the southern Great Barrier Reef has not escaped the extreme heat stress that led to this catastrophic bleaching event.
Co-author Prof Ana Vila Concejo indicated that the findings should prompt immediate action from policymakers and conservationists. Dr. Shawna Foo, another co-author, noted that while the reef's protected status may not have mitigated the heatwave's effects, it remains vital for recovery efforts.
In response to the crisis, various solutions have been proposed, including a biodegradable film developed in 2018 by scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, designed to act as a protective shield for coral.