Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Trust

Areas of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have more coral reefs for the first time in decades, a government report says, but scientists remain cautious.

According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the northern and central parts of this vast UNESCO heritage site were registered last year. A clear increase in coral reefs for the first time in 36 yearsDate of implementation of monitoring.

Scientists responsible for the 87 sites say the reefs recovered faster than expected. Rapid growth of “Acropora” type coralsIt contributes to the formation of coral reefs.

“These results demonstrate that reefs can still recover during periods without severe disturbance”, said Paul Hardisty, chief executive of the Australian Institute of Marine Science. But far from claiming victory, he believes hurricanes, bleaching events and the appearance of coral-eating starfish could easily put an end to this progress.

As a result, the southern part of the rock, which was disturbed a year ago, is collapsing again. “This shows how vulnerable the reef is to frequent and long-lasting severe and severe disturbances.”Paul Hardisty said.

Coral cover reached 36% in monitored locations on the northern side of the reef, compared to 27% in 2021. The statistics are more encouraging in the south. In the central region, the increase is less significant and in the south their numbers are decreasing.

Encouraging but vulnerable progress

For decades, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered “bleaching” due to warming ocean temperatures. There are many Those who fear an acceleration of damage rates This leads to total destruction of the rock.

According to Terry Hughes, a marine scientist, the species behind this recovery are the most vulnerable to ocean warming. He believes it is “no longer possible” to replace the large, old, slow-growing corals that defined the reef.

Last May, 91% of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been ‘bleached’ According to government reports, due to a prolonged heat wave during the Australian summer. This is the first time that the world’s largest coral reef has been affected by such bleaching.

Joe Richards, researcher at Curtin University He warned against overconfidence. Thus she insists “This recovery trend is driven by a few Acropora species, which means that the next heat stress event could easily wipe out these coral communities again.”.