Diving Deep Into the Great Barrier Reef’s Hidden Climate Defense
Researchers reveal that the Great Barrier Reef’s deeper areas are shielded from heatwaves, yet this protection is at risk if global warming persists, stressing the…
Great Barrier Reef News
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles). It is one of the most complex natural ecosystems on Earth, with a biodiversity that includes numerous species of coral, fish, mollusks, birds, and marine mammals. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reef is both a major tourist attraction and a critical component of the marine environment. However, it faces significant threats from climate change, coral bleaching, water pollution from agricultural runoff, and impacts from fishing and coastal development. Efforts to preserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef are crucial, as it plays a vital role in the ecological health of our oceans and provides significant economic benefits through tourism and fishing.
Bleached Out: Heat Stress Cooks Great Barrier Reef
Weeks of warmer-than-average ocean temperatures caused extensive bleaching in the world’s largest coral reef system. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been hit by widespread coral…
Nature’s Hidden Treasures: New Algae Species Rewrite Scientists’ Understanding of Reef Systems
A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef and unique reefs systems of the Coral Sea and Lord…
Scientists Discover Hidden Threat to the Great Barrier Reef
Study finds nearly twice the amount of nitrogen is entering the Reef from groundwater compared to river waters. Scientists using natural tracers off Queensland’s coast…
Chlamydia-Like Bacteria Discovered in Great Barrier Reef
Scientists have recently discovered a Chlamydia-like bacteria in corals of the Great Barrier Reef. This discovery, published in the journal Science Advances, could provide crucial…
Highest Coral Cover in Central, Northern Great Barrier Reef Since Monitoring Began 36 Years Ago
This year the northern and central Great Barrier Reef have recorded their highest amount of coral cover since the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)…
Endangered Delicacy: Tropical Sea Cucumbers in Trouble – Critical for Healthy Ocean Ecosystems
Sea cucumbers are critical for healthy ocean ecosystems. Researchers are calling for better protection of tropical sea cucumbers in the Great Barrier Reef whose numbers…
Fish Predators Help Control Coral-Eating Crown-of-Thorns Starfish on Great Barrier Reef
Reef fish, such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods, help keep numbers of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish in check on the Great Barrier Reef. Reef fish,…
World’s Coral Reefs May Cease Calcifying Around 2054
Declining Growth Rates of Global Coral Reef Ecosystems If trend of declining coral growth continues at the current rate, the world’s coral reefs may cease…
Injecting an Alkalinizing Agent Into the Ocean To Offset 10 Years’ Worth of Acidification of the Great Barrier Reef
New research has shown that by injecting an alkalinizing agent into the ocean along the length of the Great Barrier Reef, it would be possible,…
Innovative Genetic Analysis Unlocks Clues to the Evolution and Survival of the Great Barrier Reef
In a ground-breaking new study, scientists used innovative molecular techniques to explain how corals on the east coast of Australia survived previous tough conditions—enabling the…
“Treasure Trove” of New Coral Species Discovered Along the Great Barrier Reef
Scientists discovered dozens of new coral species on a recent voyage along the length of the Great Barrier Reef. A team of scientists completed a…
New Study Reveals Dramatic Changes in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Marine biologist Prof. Maoz Fine: ‘Following in the footsteps of the pioneers of coral reef biology and ecology was an inspirational experience.’ Coral reefs around…
The Incredible Way Coral Helps Their Offspring Survive Climate Change [Video]
USC scientists discover coral equip their offspring with symbiotic algae colonies to help them cope with rising ocean temperatures. The fate of the world’s coral…
Mini-Lab Helps Predict Future Ocean Conditions
In an effort to better understand ocean acidification and the effects of climate change on coral reefs, an international team of scientists has created a…
Black Band Disease Puts Great Barrier Reef at Risk
The Great Barrier Reef is under attack by a disease and new data shows that the Black Band Disease can migrate at a rate fast…