Great Barrier Reef experiences worst bleaching event in recorded history

Located in the coral sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral system. It is composed of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Due to extreme heat stress caused by climate change, the Great Barrier Reef experienced one of the worst coral bleaching events in history on March 6, according to AP News. 

This year, ocean temperatures ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius (0.9 to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the March average, as reported by AP News.

Coral bleaching occurs when corals are stressed from pollution or heat, causing them to expel the algae that provides them with a source of nutrients via photosynthesis. Eventually, the corals starve, which leaves behind a transparent skeleton.

The Great Barrier Reef has experienced bleaching before, specifically through four devastating events since 1998. However the latest coral bleaching is considered by experts to be the worst one to date. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch scientist William Skirving told The Independent “At the moment, it’s definitely the most extensive bleaching event we’ve ever had.” 

The period of heat stress is expected to continue throughout the next two weeks. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a scientist from the Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, expressed his concern for the events taking place. In an interview with The Independent Hoegh-Guldberg said, “I’m very worried about the situation given how warm the temperatures are on the Great Barrier Reef and what the projections are.

Article by Hallie Rozario of Springbrook High School

Graphic by Angelina Guhl of Richard Montgomery High School