Ocean heat stresses Australia's resilient coral reefs

Australia's coral reefs, including those considered resilient, are struggling due to prolonged ocean heat stress, according to recent findings. NOAA confirmed over 83% of global reefs have faced extreme heat since January 2023. Researchers monitoring Lord Howe Island's subtropical reefs observed ongoing heat stress, hindering recovery from previous years' bleaching events. This is despite avoiding the severe bleaching seen on the Great Barrier Reef this year. The study highlights the concerning long-term impacts of sustained coral losses and ecosystem changes. Scientists are racing to understand reef resilience and recovery amid increasingly frequent and intense marine heat waves.