Great Barrier Reef sees steepest decline in hard coral on record
10 News First · New
10 News First
New
The Great Barrier Reef has experienced its most significant drop in hard coral cover since monitoring began 40 years ago. Experts say climate change and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish are to blame.
Breakdown
- The Great Barrier Reef has experienced its steepest decline in hard coral cover since records began.
- Significant declines were recorded in two of the three monitored regions, with some areas losing up to a third of their coral cover. 10s
- Recent years had seen record coral growth, but climate change, cyclones, and starfish outbreaks reversed these gains. 29s
- Experts emphasize the importance of reaching net zero emissions to protect the reef and the broader environment. 52s
- Coral recovery is possible but depends on restoration programs, starfish eradication, and climate action. 1m 7s