Bleaching has damaged Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, including in its marine park. Bleaching occurs when rising ocean temperatures drain corals of their colours. Marine park authorities say the bleaching is “widespread” across multiple regions, ranging from minor to severe. High sea temperatures have caused bleaching in the reef since 1997, and many corals struggle to survive. Meanwhile, starfish also eat corals, and some corals have been damaged by cyclones. In this most recent instance of bleaching, park authorities said the Townsville region is the most impacted. The UN threatened to lower the reef’s World Heritage ranking in 2015. Australia then […]
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