The Great Barrier Reef is suffering its 4th mass bleaching event since 2016 - here's what that means

Apr 1, 2022

Mass bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef. Image: Chad Taylor/Unsplash

Adam Smith

Associate Professor, James Cook University

Nathan Cook

Marine Scientist, James Cook University

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Bleaching at John Brewer Reef, near Townsville Great Barrier Reef

Bleached corals in the Great Barrier Reef can still recover if conditions improve Image: Harriet Spark/Grumpy Turtle, Author provided

Bleaching at John Brewer Reef, near Townsville, Australia.

Bleaching can slow growth rates and reduce reproductive capacity. Image: Nathan Cook, Author provided

Bleaching can slow coral growth rates and reduce reproduction. Image: Harriet Spark/Grumpy Turtle, Author provided

Australia sea surface temperature anomaly outlook. Great Barrier Reef

Current heat stress is pervasive across Australia's oceans. Image: James Gilmour

Scuba diver surveying coral reefs at the Great Barrier Reef

Any policy without action on climate change is ineffective. Image: Harriet Spark/Grumpy Turtle, Author provided

Mass coral bleaching event on the #GreatBarrierReef.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority completed aerial surveys across 750 reefs Image: Dr Emma L Johnston

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