<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-19/great-barrier-reef-records-coral-loss-near-cairns-lizard-island/104617554>
'Large sections of the Great Barrier Reef appear to have been smashed by
climate change and cyclones this year, with one reef near Lizard Island losing
nearly three quarters of its coral cover since the beginning of the year.
Preliminary results from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
annual survey show more than a third of coral cover was lost from surveyed
reefs across the northern sections of the Great Barrier Reef, from the tourist
mecca of Cairns up to Lizard Island.
Although the survey is only about 15 to 20 per cent complete, the northern
reefs are so far revealing the biggest annual decline in coral cover in the 39
years AIMS has been conducting its Long Term Monitoring Program.
"These initial surveys from AIMS are our worst fears from this year's coral
bleaching event being realised," said Richard Leck from WWF-Australia.
Reefs further south around Innisfail appeared to have been spared, with coral
cover remaining roughly steady compared to pre-summer levels.
"These initial results show the vulnerability of the reef to bleaching events,
which are increasing in frequency, footprint and intensity under climate
change. Its resilience is being severely tested," said AIMS acting research
director Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
