One of the world's most cherished natural wonders—the Great Barrier Reef—has suffered a widespread sixth bleaching event, officials confirmed on Friday after completing aerial surveyance of the 1,400-mile-long marine park.
ABC News' Britt Clennett reports from Australia where scientists and tour companies are putting in efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef from climate change by cultivating new coral.One of the world's most cherished natural wonders -- the Great Barrier Reef -- has suffered a widespread sixth bleaching event, officials confirmed on Friday after completing aerial surveyance of the 1,400-mile-long marine park.
While bleaching does not automatically cause the coral to die, it can make corals more vulnerable to disease and impede their ability to spawn, experts say. "The next bleaching event is just around the corner. We anticipate moderate or severe coral bleaching in the weeks or months coming," Hughes told ABC News back in November last year.
"What's happening here in Australia on coral reefs is simply typical of coral reefs everywhere," Hughes said,"Throughout the tropics, coral reefs support the livelihoods and food security of about 400 million people."
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