Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reef face severe coral bleaching

Australia's Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reef have both suffered severe coral bleaching, a situation scientists describe as "heartbreaking." This simultaneous event is creating widespread damage to these world-renowned reefs and is being linked to global heating. Monitoring teams have reported that the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing bleaching over a distance of about 1,000 kilometers, from Townsville to Cape York. On the Ningaloo Reef, record levels of heat stress have been recorded amid an extended marine heatwave affecting the entire state of Western Australia. Experts say that historical records will reflect this alarming event as two famous reefs face extensive damage at the same time. Paul Gamblin from the Australian Marine Conservation Society expressed concern over the lasting impact on both locations. Dr. Zoe Richards from Curtin University reported seeing up to 90% of corals bleached in popular shallow areas of the Ningaloo Reef. She noted that even very old, slow-growing corals are affected. This event comes just three years after Ningaloo's last significant bleaching. The WA government is coordinating efforts to monitor reefs experiencing similar issues in other areas, while Richards emphasizes that this crisis is not limited to Ningaloo but is affecting the entire north-west shelf of Australia. It appears that climate change is now seriously impacting the reefs. Corals typically bleach when ocean temperatures rise too high, losing the algae that provide them with color and nutrients. If the heat stress is not too intense, some corals can recover. However, studies indicate that high temperatures weaken their ability to reproduce and make them more susceptible to diseases. Monitoring data shows dangerously high levels of heat stress on Ningaloo, with records indicating up to 16 degree heating weeks (DHW), which significantly increases the risk of coral death. In the Great Barrier Reef, monitoring flights revealed varying levels of bleaching across many reefs, particularly in the northern parts. The frequency and severity of these events are concerning scientists, as they do not allow corals sufficient time to recover between bleaching events. Moreover, recent flooding from heavy rains is compounding the issue, as nutrient-rich runoff creates conditions that inhibit coral growth due to reduced light and increased algae. Experts agree that urgent action on climate change is necessary to prevent further damage to these vital marine ecosystems. Gamblin warned that ongoing fossil fuel projects will worsen the situation. He raised concerns about what the future will hold for our children if we do not take immediate steps to protect the reefs.