The Great Barrier Reef has undergone significant coral loss, with reports indicating the largest annual decline in live coral cover since 1986. The Australian Institute of Marine Science documented severe impacts from the mass coral bleaching event in early 2024, leading to coral cover drops of 25% in the northern region and 30% in the southern region. The central area experienced a 13% decrease. Dr. Mike Emslie highlighted increased volatility in coral cover, indicating an unstable ecosystem where high levels can quickly transform into significant declines.
The Australian Institute of Marine Science report reveals the Great Barrier Reef suffered its biggest annual drop in live coral since monitoring began in 1986.
Mass coral bleaching events, particularly the early 2024 incident, have had devastating impacts on coral cover, with deaths recorded as high as 40% in certain areas.
The northern section experienced a coral cover decline of 25%, while the southern section saw a drop of 30%. The central section suffered a 13% decrease.
Dr. Mike Emslie noted that coral cover volatility signals an unstable ecosystem, reflecting record highs rapidly replaced by record lows.
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