In summer of 2025, top reef scientist and experts confirmed that the coral reefs around the world are experiencing global bleaching. The Great barrier reef located on coast of Queensland, Australia is the largest coral reef on the world stretching over 2,300 kilometer home to thousand of marine species. Scientist confirmed that the reef has experienced its sixth mass coral bleaching event since 2016.
What is Coral reef ? A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by structures built by colonies of tiny marine animals called coral polyps, which secrete a hard outer layer of calcium carbonate.
What is Coral bleaching ? Coral bleaching is a phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white due to expelling the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues
A Study led by Australian Government and science agencies for the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority provides insights and findings of the coral reefs. Rise in global temperature, uneven rainfall, cyclones and species outbreak and some of the main stressors affecting the coral reefs.
The reef goes through cycle of disturbance and recovery, just like any other natural system. As these system is spread across large area some places may show severe results compared to other. Prolonged exposure to above average temperature has lead to regional bleaching in far north and northern most regions. The consequences of the bleaching is currently under assessment which will be carried out over few months.