The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing a catastrophic coral bleaching crisis, with new research revealing severe impacts at One Tree Island in early 2024. This underwater crisis affects not just marine life, but also coastal protection and local economies. University of Sydney researchers tracked 462 coral colonies over five months, documenting a rapid decline. The numbers tell a stark story: 66% of corals bleached by February, increasing to 80% by April. By July, 44% of these bleached colonies had died. “Seeing the impacts on a reef that has largely avoided mass bleaching until now is devastating,” explains Dr. Shawna Foo, … Continue reading Great Barrier Reef Under Siege: One Tree Island Reports 66% Bleaching & 44% Mortality Amid Record Heat