A widespread coral bleaching event has been observed in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), one of the largest coral reef systems globally, located in Australia.
Aerial Surveys and Observations
- Aerial surveys conducted jointly by the Reef Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) revealed bleaching over two-thirds of the GBR Marine Park.
- Bleaching affected over 300 reefs, spanning from Cape Melville to Bundaberg.
- Experts noted that some corals are already dying, indicating severe stress on the reef ecosystem.
Confirmation of Bleaching
- Reef Authority Chief Scientist Roger Beeden confirmed the bleaching event, correlating it with prolonged periods of above-average sea surface temperatures.
- The southern GBR was identified as the most affected region by coral bleaching.
Local Observations
- Scientists from James Cook University observed elevated temperatures at Keppel Islands, with some corals already dying.
- Climate change was highlighted as the primary threat to coral reef ecosystems.
Impact and Resilience of GBR
- The GBR has shown resilience in recovering from past coral bleaching events and extreme weather conditions.
- However, mass bleaching events have become more frequent, posing a significant challenge to the reef’s recovery.
Global Context
- Coral bleaching events have been documented globally, with increasing severity and frequency attributed to climate change.
- The recent global coral bleaching event from 2014 to 2017 remains the most extensive and damaging on record.
- The Earth is on the brink of experiencing another global mass coral bleaching event, with high ocean temperatures persisting worldwide.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What percentage of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was affected by the recent coral bleaching event?
- A) One-third
- B) Two-thirds
- C) Half
- D) One-fourth
- Answer: B) Two-thirds
- Which organization conducted aerial surveys to monitor coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef?
- A) Australian Meteorological Bureau
- B) Great Barrier Reef Conservation Society
- C) Reef Authority and Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
- D) James Cook University
- Answer: C) Reef Authority and Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
- What was the primary cause of coral bleaching as highlighted by experts?
- A) Pollution
- B) Overfishing
- C) Climate Change
- D) Sedimentation
- Answer: C) Climate Change
- How many coral bleaching events have been recorded in the Great Barrier Reef in the past eight years?
- A) Three
- B) Four
- C) Five
- D) Six
- Answer: C) Five
- Which global organization warned about the possibility of a fourth global mass coral bleaching event?
- A) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- B) World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- C) Coral Reef Watch programme
- D) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Answer: C) Coral Reef Watch programme