Report Australia’s Coral Crisis: Reefs Face 'Underwater Bushfire' Threat

[webfact]

 

A marine heatwave is devastating Australia's majestic coral reefs on both the eastern and western coasts. The lesser-known Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northwest coast, is now turning white due to the rising water temperatures. This phenomenon, called coral bleaching, has alarmed scientists, with some reefs potentially incapable of recovery.

 

The current marine heatwave, originating from the Caribbean in 2023, has traversed the Indo-Pacific, wreaking havoc on coral ecosystems globally. For the first time, both Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef have been simultaneously affected, marking the ongoing fourth global bleaching event that threatens over 80% of the world’s reefs.

 

Dr Kate Quigley from the Minderoo Foundation describes how warmer waters disrupt the corals’ symbiotic relationships, likening this disruption to a stomach bug, and stresses that prolonged warmth could lead to high coral mortality.

 

Despite governmental monitoring, uncertainties remain. Dr Tom Holmes, from Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, notes that follow-up surveys are critical to assess survival rates. Meanwhile, residents and tourists are witnessing the grim aftermath, as the once-thriving marine habitat shows signs of devastation.

 

The causes of this crisis are twofold: rising carbon emissions and local industrial activities. The Australian government’s decision to extend operations of the North West Shelf gas plant until 2070 raises questions about priorities, as fossil fuel projects pose significant environmental and economic challenges in the region.

 

To combat the crisis, scientists are developing strategies to protect the reefs. Dr Chris Roelfsema and his team at the University of Queensland are employing advanced mapping techniques to monitor coral health.

 

Concurrently, Dr Quigley’s team is experimenting with breeding coral variants to withstand higher temperatures. These scientific endeavours aim to bolster the reefs, though experts admit that addressing root causes, like emissions, is paramount.

 

The analogy of an "underwater bushfire" effectively captures the urgency of the situation. Unlike terrestrial bushfires, coral reefs do not receive immediate human attention; however, their health is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and providing coastal protection. The current situation underscores the pressing need for policy shifts toward renewable energies and environmental protection.

 

Australia's coral reefs, valued for their biodiversity and economic importance, confront an uncertain future. Their fate hinges on concerted global efforts to curb emissions and mitigate climate impacts, ensuring these natural wonders endure for future generations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-23

 

 

[roquefort]

So the BBC is quite sure it's due to  rising carbon emissions and local industrial activities. Do they not imagine this might have something to so with it?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Hunga_Tonga–Hunga_Haʻapai_eruption_and_tsunami

[pacovl46]

1 hour ago, roquefort said:

So the BBC is quite sure it's due to  rising carbon emissions and local industrial activities. Do they not imagine this might have something to so with it?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Hunga_Tonga–Hunga_Haʻapai_eruption_and_tsunami

It certainly didn’t help, but it’s not just one volcano that does that on its own.