WRITTEN BY: Mitchell McKenzie

In a grim announcement on the 8th of March 2024, authorities declared the Great Barrier Reef to be in the throes of its fifth mass coral bleaching event in just eight years. This declaration comes as a result of a marine heatwave that has caused widespread heat stress across the Reef, pushing this natural wonder to the brink of survival.

The Great Barrier Reef, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and unparalleled biodiversity, is now in urgent need of protection against the ravages of climate change. With each bleaching event, the delicate balance of this intricate ecosystem is disrupted, posing a severe threat to the myriad species that call the Reef home.

As stewards of the environment, it is imperative that we recognise the gravity of this situation and demand immediate action from government authorities. The Australian and Queensland governments has a critical chance to heed the expert recommendations put forth in UNESCO and IUCN's reef monitoring report—a comprehensive roadmap to save our Reef from further degradation.

Key recommendations include enacting stringent climate policies aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a critical threshold for the survival of coral reefs. Additionally, efforts to improve water quality by meeting 2025 targets through the enforcement of regulations, restoration of coastal wetlands, and protection of native vegetation in Reef catchments are paramount.

Furthermore, the cessation of destructive fishing practices such as gillnet fishing and monitoring trawling catches is essential to safeguard threatened species like dugongs and turtles, whose survival is intricately linked to the health of coral reefs.

Recent research conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU) sheds light on the dire consequences of coral bleaching events. Despite apparent recovery and low mortality rates following the 2020 bleaching event, the reproductive capacity of Acropora millepora, a common coral species, has declined by a staggering 21%. This decline underscores the long-term impacts of bleaching events on the ability of coral reefs to recover and replenish their populations.

It is evident that the Great Barrier Reef is under immense pressure, and urgent action is needed to mitigate further damage. As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and severity of bleaching events, it is incumbent upon us to take proactive measures to protect this invaluable ecosystem.

By raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and supporting conservation efforts, we can collectively strive to ensure a future where the Great Barrier Reef remains a beacon of biodiversity and natural wonder for generations to come.