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The Great Barrier Reef contains the largest coral reef system in the world
Photo: I. Schulz / blickwinkel / IMAGO
The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, is increasingly affected by coral bleaching due to increasing heat.
This was announced by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the agency that manages the reef.
Most of the marine park was affected by "significant heat stress" over the summer, with water temperatures in some areas reaching two to four degrees Celsius above average.
In a video released by the Reef Authority of its assessment, David Wachenfeld
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the scientific director at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, said these temperature anomalies have been increasing since early March, which is contrary to what was expected - ordinarily will be it gets cooler in March when the Australian summer ends.
According to the agency, coral bleaching has been observed throughout the marine park, but at different rates in different regions.
"Corals throughout the marine park remain at risk from sustained high temperatures," it said.
There is a risk that it will be classified as a »endangered« world heritage site
This assessment is also important against the background of a visit by UN representatives to Australia.
From March 21, several experts will be in Australia for a total of ten days to consult with scientists, regulators and policymakers to decide whether the Great Barrier Reef is classified as endangered.
52 world heritage sites are already on this list, the classification does not actually count as a sanction.
This step has been under discussion for several years, but Australia's government has so far successfully resisted the classification.
The Australian government increased spending on improving water quality, monitoring reefs and protecting habitats by AUD 1 billion this year.
But she continues to be criticized for not doing enough to save the world's largest coral reef, also because of the lack of climate protection initiatives.
The Great Barrier Reef has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
vki/Reuters
