For the past two years, coral reef bleaching has been affecting the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. As scientists have been trying to combat its effects, a new survey claims that the damage inflicted may be even worse than initially believed.
Coral Bleaching and its Worse Than Believed Effects
According to the National Ocean Service, bleaching occurs when the coral turns white due to stress caused by environmental conditions. The Great Barrier Reef is now experiencing its second consecutive year of such a phenomenon, caused by the warming waters.
Now, scientists are claiming that the affected areas are beyond repair. Biologist Terry Hughes, director of the Arc Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University in Queensland Australia, stated that over 55% of the coral reef was bleached in 2016.
He also said that, when combined with 2017, two-thirds of the Northern parts of the Great Barrier Reef have already been bleached. Other areas around the world are also suffering from bleaching but were not included in this percentage.
Terry Hughes argues that greenhouse gas emissions are to blame for the dying reefs. He also mentioned that the window to limiting greenhouse gas emissions is getting smaller. That if we want to act on it, now is the time to do so.
While reducing greenhouse emission levels may not restore the worse affected corals, it may potentially help save the remaining ones. Also, it could possibly contribute to the disappearance of the primary cause.
Presently, a biologist is cross breeding coral to try and make them withstand the warmer temperatures. This could help increase their adaptability. In turn, it may contribute to reducing mass bleaching levels, possibly even prevent them.
A study published last year in the journal Nature also analyzed the effects and various consequences of the first of the two consecutive periods of bleaching.
Image Source: Wikimedia
Latest posts by Nancy Young (see all)
- Missouri Man Robbed by Date and Accomplice in Park - June 22, 2018
- Bose Poised to Launch Sleepbuds, In-Ear Headphones That Help You Sleep - June 21, 2018
- Russia Is Developing a Space Debris Laser to Keep Space Clean - June 15, 2018