https://phys.org/news/2025-07-drones-capture-devastating-coral-loss.html
'New research has revealed alarming coral mortality rates of 92% after last
year's bleaching event at Lizard Island on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef,
marking one of the highest coral mortality rates ever documented globally.
The study "Coral bleaching and mass mortality at Lizard Island revealed by
drone imagery" has been published in
Coral Reefs.
The team assessed the impact of the Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event,
declared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in April
2024, which caused extensive bleaching and mortality across the reef system.
Lead author Dr. Vincent Raoult from Griffith University's School of
Environment, and collaborators from Macquarie University, James Cook
University, the CSIRO and GeoNadir analyzed 20 sections (each measuring 10m x
10m) across the northern and southern reefs of Lizard Island.
The average bleaching mortality rate reached was 92%, with bleaching affecting
an average of 96% of living corals of the surveyed areas.
"This marks one of the highest coral mortality rates ever documented globally,"
Dr. Raoult said.
"Despite lower heat stress at Lizard Island compared with other parts of the
Great Barrier Reef, the mortality rate is unprecedented.
"These results highlight the fragility of coral ecosystems facing increasing
stress from climate change, and the possible devastation resulting from the
2024 global bleaching event."
Professor Jane Williamson from the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie
University, senior author on the study, said the findings underscored the
urgent need for action on climate change.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
