Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffering 'widespread' bleaching

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Australian authorities announced Friday that the Great Barrier Reef has been plagued by "widespread" bleaching once again, as higher-than-average water temperature conditions threaten the already ailing World Heritage site.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, which stretches down the coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef is home to over 9,000 species of wildlife; however, it is suffering from coral bleaching as a result of climate change.

In November, scientists reported nearly the entire coral reef system had been bleached, and only 2% of it has been spared.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority reported damage ranging from mild to severe bleaching over the 2,300-kilometer (1,243-mile) coral system.

In its weekly update, the authority stated that "bleaching has been detected across the Marine Park -- it is widespread but variable, across multiple regions, ranging in impact from minor to severe."

Ocean temperatures within the marine park have varied between 0.5 and two degrees Celsius above average in the last week, while northern areas saw temperatures between two and four degrees above average.

"The most heavily impacted reefs are around the Townsville region. There have also been reports of early mortality where heat stress has been the greatest."

The research was regarded as "disastrous news" by the Australian Marine Conservation Society, especially during a La Nina weather cycle, which is often linked with colder water temperatures.

 Manager Lissa Schindler said, "A healthy reef can recover from coral bleaching but it needs time. More frequent marine heatwaves primarily driven by the burning of coal and gas means it is not getting this time."

According to Schindler, bleaching indicates consistent pressure from global heating. 

The World Heritage Committee, a governing body for UNESCO consisting of 21 countries, refuted placing GBR on the danger list, especially after vigorous lobbying efforts by Australia to keep the heritage site off the list. 

The rising temperatures in 2016, 2017, and 2020 due to climate change have caused bleaching to escalate greatly. 

It is noteworthy to state that Australia is a key exporter of iron ore, coal, and petroleum, which contribute to coral bleaching.