Australia fears a new heavy bleaching of the coral on the Great Barrier Reef. The government organization that oversees the reef has seen signs of damage since the temperature of the water at the reef has risen.
The authorities that oversee the reef report on Thursday that due to a warm period the water has risen 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above the February average. February was previously the hottest month for the reef.
“These abnormalities are very disturbing and have only got worse in the last week,” said an organization scientist.
Due to the deviating temperatures, 30 to 40 percent of the coral in shallow parts of the reef would already show some bleaching.
The reef was already hit by severe fading in 2016 and 2017. When faded, coral loses its color because algae die on the coral. This may be due to, among other things, heating the water.
Monitored situation with divers and helicopters
With divers, helicopters and observations by visitors to the reef, the government tries to keep an eye on the situation.
The Great Barrier Reef lies along the northeastern coast of Australia and at 2,300 kilometers is slightly larger than the province of Limburg.
– .
