GBR Faces Devastating Coral Bleaching Crisis

A widespread coral bleaching event has hit the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), covering an area larger than Italy, as confirmed by Australian authorities.

• Aerial surveys conducted jointly by the Reef Authority and AIMS reveal extensive coral bleaching across two-thirds of the GBR Marine Park.
• Over 300 inshore, midshelf, and offshore reefs are affected, stretching from Cape Melville to Bundaberg in the southern boundary.
• Reef Authority Chief Scientist attributes the bleaching to above-average sea surface temperatures, aligning with summer heat stress patterns.
• Southern GBR emerges as the worst affected region, with reports of dying corals.
• Surveys at Keppel Islands reveal ....