The Great Barrier Reef is among the seven wonders of the world. The most massive living thing of the planet. It’s so vast that it is visible from the outer space. However, sadly the Reef is going to experience coral bleaching every two years by 2030.
What is coral bleaching?
When the temperature is abnormal. Which causes corals to expel tiny photosynthetic algae, which results in draining them of their colour. Alge is essential for the coral as it uses the organic products of photosynthesis to help it grow. Moreover, most of the time polyp bodies are transparent and colourless. The large gives them the lively colour that they have.
The loss of algae makes them more susceptible to disease and would eventually lead to their death.
However, if the water temperature drops and the algae can recolonise them, coral can recover.
How severe is the issue?
Taking a look back in the past. In 2016. When bleaching caused by climate change left almost 25 per cent of the reef dead. Global Warming is said to be one of the factors worsening the acceleration of coral bleaching.
Which gives us a clear picture of how dangerous it can be for them. Again in 2017, massive bleaching left another 20 per cent of the Reef dead.
According to the study 70 per cent of coral reefs will be at risk of long-term degradation by 2100.
What do experts say about saving them?
Symposium Convenor, James Cook University’s Professor Damien Burrows, who is also National Environmental Science Program’s Tropical Water Quality Hub leader, said innovative solutions were needed in addition to greenhouse gas mitigation and existing reef management.
“Some promising restoration methods could be applied to coral reefs and their local environments,” he said.
“The conversation we haven’t had yet is around social licence: the Great Barrier Reef is significant to Australians for different reasons, from spiritual and ecological importance to recreation, economic contribution and livelihoods.
“Nothing we do to help save the reef will be a perfect solution – or risk-free – so we need to understand the will and priorities of the people: be they ecologists, tourism or fishing industry, Traditional Owners or the general community.”