DW- +/- 50% Of Great Barrier Reef Corals Have Died Since 1990; Most Species, Deep/Shallow Corals Hit

[hatrack]

Around 50% of Australia's Great Barrier Reef has died since the 1990s, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society Journal.

"The decline occurred in both shallow and deeper water, and across virtually all species — but especially in branching and table-shaped corals. These were the worst affected by record-breaking temperatures that triggered mass bleaching in 2016 and 2017," said Professor Terry Hughes, co-author of the study. Loss of table-shaped corals will also reduce fish abundance.

Hughes added that the Great Barrier Reef's ability to recover was compromised as there are fewer large breeding corals. "A vibrant coral population has millions of small, baby corals, as well as many large ones — the big mamas who produce most of the larvae," he said.

"Our results show the ability of the Great Barrier Reef to recover — its resilience — is compromised compared to the past, because there are fewer babies, and fewer large breeding adults," he added.

EDIT

https://www.dw.com/en/half-of-australia-great-barrier-reef-corals-have-died-since-the-1990s-study-reveals/a-55269668

[secondwind]

1. So sad... we scuba dived in the Great Barrier Reef in the

early 90’s and even back then you could see the damage.....

[Mickju]

2. I did that in the 70s and it was still pristine.

It was absolutely gorgeous and it wasn't just the coral. The fish were gorgeous also. It is heartbreaking that it is being destroyed because of human stupidity.