The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, spanning nearly 133,000 square miles (345,000 square kilometers) and home to over 1,500 fish species and 411 hard corals. It significantly boosts the Australian economy through tourism and is regarded as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Record ocean heat has severely impacted Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, leading to “catastrophic” coral bleaching levels, according to a new study. Over 50% of the corals monitored near a southern island were killed during last year’s most severe bleaching event recorded. In 2024, the reef faced its hottest summer, resulting in its “seventh mass bleaching” event.
When stressed by marine heat waves, coral bleach and turn white, causing them to expel the algae that gives them color. This is mainly due to raised global temperatures. Last year, the weather pattern further intensified coral damage.
Researchers from the University of Sydney studied 462 coral colonies at One Tree Island over five months, beginning in early February when the heat wave peaked. By May, 370 coral colonies were bleached; by July, 52% of the bleached corals were dead, as reported in a study published in *Limnology and Oceanography Letters*.
Some species experienced a mortality rate of 95%, with signs of “colony collapse” where dead skeletons detached from the reef. The Goniopora species also suffered from black band disease, which invades and can kill coral tissue. The bleaching has now affected previously untouched reef areas, leading to disease and death among resilient coral species.
“It’s devastating to see the impact on a reef that has largely avoided mass bleaching until now,” said a marine scientist. The high mortality and disease rates in such a remote area underscore the severity of the situation. Mass bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef has been recorded in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
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