Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is suffering widespread and severe coral bleaching due to high ocean temperatures.
According to a report by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority, which manages the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, bleaching has been detected across the Marine Park.
The Agency said the bleaching is widespread but variable, across multiple regions, ranging in impact from minor to severe. The reef has suffered significantly from coral bleaching caused by unusually warm ocean temperatures in 2016, 2017, and 2020.
The previous bleaching damaged two-thirds of the coral. A U.N. delegation will inspect the reef’s health next week.