US EditionGreat Barrier Reef Suffers Worst Annual Coral Decline in 39 Years
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, AUG 5 – The 2024 bleaching event caused a 30% coral decline in the southern Great Barrier Reef, marking the largest annual loss ever recorded, driven by climate change and other environmental stressors.
- On August 6, 2025, the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s report warned the Great Barrier Reef suffered its most widespread bleaching on record after surveying 124 reefs between August 2024 and May 2025.
- Amid escalating climate pressures, the Great Barrier Reef experienced its most extensive bleaching due to climate change-induced heat stress, tropical cyclones, and crown-of-thorns starfish, last year.
- Along the southern branch, coral cover declined from 38.9% to 26.9%, nearly one third, due to climate change-driven bleaching.
- Coral scientists warn that recovery could take years and depends on future coral reproduction and minimal environmental disturbance, Dr Mike Emslie said.
- Amid the reef’s decline, Mr Richard Leck, WWF, warned some reefs are beyond recovery and urged rapid greenhouse gas emissions reduction and Australia’s upcoming Paris climate targets.
141 Articles
141 Articles
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The 2,300-kilometre-long Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But climate change is increasing. Scientists look to the future with concern. By Udo Schmidt. [more]]>
'Graveyard of Corals': Bleaching Led to Great Barrier Reef's Worst Die-Off on Record
"We will ultimately get to a tipping point where coral cover can't bounce back," warned one researcher. "We have to mitigate the root causes of the problem and reduce emissions and stabilize temperatures."
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39: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the biggest living ecosystem in the world – has suffered its largest annual coral decline since monitoring began 39 years ago. Tropical cyclones and coral-eating starfish are partly responsible, but experts say rising sea temperatures due to climate change are the main culprit.5: Law and Justice-backed Karol Nawrocki began his five-year term as Polish president after his inauguration earlier today. Nawrocki w…
The study, conducted between August 2024 and May 2025, documented widespread whitening in 124 reefs
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