In Australia, a record decline of corals has been recorded on the Great Barrier Reef

• The Great Barrier Reef is facing a record loss of corals.
• The main reason for the decline is climate change and rising water temperatures.
• Mass coral bleaching has become a more frequent occurrence in recent years.

According to a new report, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia has begun its largest recorded decline of living corals in the last four decades. Research conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) revealed that coral cover has decreased to a quarter due to mass bleaching that occurred in 2024.

The report states that the reef experienced its hottest summer on record, with record-high water temperatures. These conditions led to mass coral bleaching, during which corals expel the algae that provide them color. As a result, the corals turn white, threatening their survival.

According to data collected between August 2024 and April 2025, 124 reefs began to show significant losses. The most affected were the northern and southern regions, where coral cover decreased by up to 70%. This is the largest decrease recorded since monitoring began in 1986.

Experts indicate that climate change is the primary cause of this decline, as corals are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. If conditions do not improve, corals are likely to continue dying. Along with AIMS, in recent years, the frequency of mass bleaching has increased, raising serious concerns about the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

Despite these significant losses, the reef remains an important tourist attraction and has more corals than many other reefs in the world. However, scientists believe that the reef's ecosystem is under significant stress, and there is a possibility that the reef could reach a point of no return.

Tags: Ecology