Australia's Great Barrier Reef is experiencing "
extensive bleaching
", the fourth since 2016, caused by above-average ocean temperatures, the Reef Authority said on Friday.
Read alsoCoral barrier: a jewel in danger
Aerial surveillance flights have shown discoloration of coral at multiple reefs, "
confirming an extensive bleaching event, the fourth since 2016
", according to a report by this authority which manages the largest coral reef system in the world.
Corals suffered despite a La Nina austral summer cooling phenomenon, the authority said.
Read alsoAustralia invests in the protection of the Great Barrier Reef
This phenomenon of decline, which results in discoloration, is caused by the rise in water temperature - a consequence of global warming - which leads to the expulsion of the symbiotic algae giving the coral its bright color.
Although bleached corals are under stress, they can still recover if conditions improve, the same source pointed out, however: "
The weather conditions over the next two weeks are crucial in determining the extent and severity of coral bleaching .
corals in the marine park”
.
A World Heritage Site
This study of this vast bleaching phenomenon was published four days after the United Nations began inspecting the Great Barrier Reef to assess whether the World Heritage-listed site is protected from climate change.
The UNESCO mission will assess whether the Australian government is doing enough about threats to the Great Barrier Reef, including climate change, before the World Heritage Commission decides in June whether to classify it as 'in danger' ".
Last July, the World Heritage Commission decided not to classify the site as "in danger", to the surprise of many observers and against the recommendation of UNESCO.
Australia launched a billion-dollar "Reef 2050" protection plan after the United Nations threatened in 2015 to decommission the site.
