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Great Barrier Reef Records Worst Coral Loss in Four Decades
Context:
The Australian Institute of Marine Science reported that the Great Barrier Reef has suffered its largest annual coral loss in 39 years, mainly due to climate change-induced coral bleaching.
Background of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR):
- It is the world’s largest coral reef system, spanning approximately 344,000 sq. km off the northeast coast of Australia.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot.
Recent Report Highlights (2025):
- The 2024 coral cover was the highest recorded in 39 years, but the annual loss was also the highest ever.
- Coral bleaching caused by record ocean temperatures in 2023–2024 led to significant damage.
- Coral loss by region:
- Southern GBR: ~33% loss
- Northern GBR: ~25% loss
- Central GBR: ~14% loss
Cause of Bleaching:
- Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel zooxanthellae algae under prolonged thermal stress, turning them white and weakening them.
- The current bleaching event is the largest ever, affecting 84% of global reef areas.
- Initiated in Jan 2023 and declared a global crisis in April 2024.
Climate Thresholds (IPCC, 2018):
- Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to warming beyond 2–1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- At 2°C warming, coral-dominated ecosystems are projected to become nearly non-existent.
- The current warming is ~1.3°C since pre-industrial times.
Ecological and Global Impact:
- Coral reefs support 25% of all marine species.
- Serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storms.
- Crucial for fisheries, biodiversity, and tourism economies
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