Extensive bleaching occurs on the Great Barrier Reef

Scientists confirmed the new bleaching episode after conducting an aerial survey of 300 'shallow' coral reefs as sea temperatures threaten the habitat of thousands of marine creatures.

On March 8, Australian officials warned that widespread bleaching was occurring at the country's famous coral reefs , in the context of sea water temperatures threatening the habitat of thousands of marine creatures.

 Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN)

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek emphasized that climate change is the biggest threat to the world's coral reefs and the Great Barrier is no exception.

This is the 7th time the Great Barrier Reef has undergone widespread bleaching. Previously, this famous coral reef experienced 6 times of severe and widespread bleaching in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2022.

Australian Government scientists have confirmed the new bleaching episode after conducting an aerial survey of 300 'shallow' coral reefs.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef Management Authority said additional surveys will be needed to assess the scale and extent of bleaching this time.

According to monitoring results, sea water temperatures along the Great Barrier Reef have increased to record highs in the past few weeks.

Mr. Richard Leck, head of oceans at the World Wildlife Fund Australia, warned that mass corals will die if ocean temperatures do not cool down soon in the coming weeks.

He said this bleaching occurred in an area where coral had never been exposed to such extreme temperatures before and emphasized that climate change is "putting huge pressure" on the Great Reef. Barrier.

Bleaching is a phenomenon that occurs when rising sea temperatures cause corals to expel algae living in their tissues, causing the coral's vibrant colors to disappear.

Some bleached coral species can recover significantly and potentially recover if ocean temperatures decrease.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest living structure, visible from space, was listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1981. .