coral reef Archives - Disasters News

Nov202024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Great Barrier Reef Faces Record Coral Mortality Amid Bleaching Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

The Great Barrier Reef, a global icon of marine biodiversity, has suffered unprecedented coral loss, with Australian researchers reporting the highest mortality on record. Surveys conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science revealed up to 72% coral mortality across 12 reefs, driven by a summer of extreme weather, including mass bleaching, two cyclones, and flooding. Severe Decline in Northern Reefs In the reef's northern section, a third of hard coral perished the largest annual decline in 39 years of monitoring. Scientists fear similar devastation may have occurred in other parts of the 2,300-kilometer-long reef, known as the world's largest living structure. Mass bleaching occurs when rising sea temperatures force corals to expel the microscopic algae (zooxanthellae)...

Sep252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Research Uncovers Heat Tolerance Variability in Corals Offering Hope for Reef Survival

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A new study has revealed surprising variations in heat tolerance among coral colonies, offering new insights into their potential survival as global ocean temperatures rise. Even corals of the same species, living side by side, exhibit significantly different responses to heat stress, highlighting the complexity of coral resilience. The findings, published today, come as the world grapples with the impact of climate change on coral reefs. With the fourth global mass bleaching event recently declared and the Great Barrier Reef suffering five mass bleachings since 2016, these discoveries are crucial for future conservation efforts. Variable Heat Tolerance in Coral colonies The research focused on the tabular coral Acropora hyacinthus, a species highly vulnerable to heat waves but es...

Aug232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Unprecedented Sea Temperatures Threaten Great Barrier Reef: Scientists Warn of Imminent Coral Bleaching Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Recent data has revealed a grim reality for the Great Barrier Reef: sea surface temperatures surrounding the iconic reef have reached their highest levels in over 400 years. This alarming finding is part of a long-term study that highlights the growing threat posed by rising summer temperatures in the Coral Sea, largely driven by human-induced climate change. Tipping Point for the Great Barrier Reef Scientists are now sounding the alarm, warning that the continued warming of the planet could push the Great Barrier Reef to a point of no return. The relentless rise in sea temperatures is placing immense stress on coral ecosystems, leading to an increased likelihood of widespread coral bleaching events. If immediate and decisive action is not taken, the reef a UNESCO World Heritage site...

Mar272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Moon’s Influence on Coral Reef Sounds Reveals Ecosystem Activity: Study says

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A recent study has shed light on how the Moon's movements influence the sounds emanating from coral reefs, providing valuable insights into ecosystem activity. Researchers discovered that as the Moon rises and sets, the soundscape of coral reefs undergoes rapid changes, indicating shifts in ecosystem interactions. Conducted by scientists from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) in the US, the study monitored three different coral reef sites off the west coast of Hawaii. Using hydrophones, they captured one-minute snapshots of the underwater soundscape at regular intervals over two years. The findings revealed that high-frequency pulse train sounds from fish increased during moonlit hours, while low-frequency fish vocali...

Feb172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Revealing the Hidden World: Satellite Technology Unveils Vast Expansion of Global Coral Reefs

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers utilizing advanced satellite imagery and cutting-edge machine learning algorithms have unveiled a stunning revelation: the world's coral reefs are nearly 25 percent larger than previously estimated. Through a collaborative effort involving satellite imagery, machine learning algorithms, and on-ground observations from a global network of experts, an additional 64,000 square kilometers (24,700 square miles) of coral reefs have been identified – an area equivalent to the size of Ireland. This newfound expanse brings the total area of the planet's shallow reefs – spanning depths of 0 to 20 meters – to a staggering 348,000 square kilometers, akin to the dimensions of Germany. Within this vast domain lies approximately 80,000 square kilometers of ha...