Reef Crisis: 66% Bleaching, 44% Mortality at One Tree Island

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Great Barrier Reef faces catastrophic coral bleaching at One Tree Island, with 66% corals bleached by February 2024, rising to 80% by April.

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University of Sydney researchers documented 44% death rate among 462 bleached coral colonies by July 2024.

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Acropora corals suffered massive losses with 95% mortality rate, disrupting marine habitats and ecosystems.

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Goniopora corals developed black band disease, where harmful bacteria formed lethal dark rings on coral tissue.

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Protected status failed to shield southern Great Barrier Reef from extreme heat stress damage.

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Record-breaking global surface temperatures in early 2025 escalated the coral bleaching crisis.

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Coral reef damage threatens coastal protection, local fishing industries, and tourism revenue.

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Scientists track coral health through temperature monitoring systems to predict and prevent bleaching events.

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Researchers call for urgent climate action to protect coral reefs crucial for marine biodiversity.

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