Parts of Great Barrier Reef record highest number of coral in nearly 4 decades, scientists say
Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY - Yesterday 1:20 PM
Marine scientists have found part of the Great Barrier Reef has recorded its highest amount of coral cover in nearly four decades, although they warn the reef’s rehabilitation could unwind quickly because of global warming.
An Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) survey of 87 reefs released Thursday found average hard coral cover in the upper region and central areas of the Australian reef increased by about one-third from August 2021 to May 2022.
The government agency began monitoring the reef off the continent's northeast coast 36 years ago. According its report, those areas are improving after disturbances over the past decade, including mass bleaching.
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The most recent coral bleaching took place in March, scientists reported.
Among the 87 reefs surveyed for the latest report, average hard coral cover in the north increased to 36%, up from 27% in 2021, and to 33% in the central reef from 26% last year.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/parts-of-great-barrier-reef-record-highest-number-of-coral-in-nearly-4-decades-scientists-say/ar-AA10jeaH?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=8d52de9c61f943ca9d535b93c5604522#image=1
