THE ISSUE

Over the past twenty years the Great Barrier reef has experienced two major accounts of coral bleaching. The first was in 1998 and the second in 2002 which was more severe, together these two events of coral bleaching have accounted for destroying over 50% of the reefs in the area. More recent facts are suggesting that only 7% of the entire Great Barrier reef have completely avoided coral bleaching. The bleaching of coral can be caused by a number of things such as change of water temperature, high exposure to sunlight and changes in nutrients. All of these aspects create stress on the coral, however, climate change is thoroughly considered the largest threat to the Great Barrier reef.  

A marine algae called zooxanthellae is responsible for the vibrant colours displayed in the corals. The algae lives inside the tissues and provides corals with an easy food supply. The algae undergoes photosynthesis which provides the coral with energy and the ability to reproduce. Algae leaving the coral is a result of the loss of colour and a sign of extreme stress. If the bleaching of the coral is not considered severe it is possible to reverse this. However, severe cases of coral bleaching can kill the coral.

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