Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority chairman, Russell Reichelt, today told a Senate Estimates Hearing that it is believed about 30 per cent of coral in the Reef's northern part died last year while initial observations suggest 20 per cent of coral, this time in the central area, died following this year’s event.
“It is unbelievably sad to hear that almost half of the Great Barrier Reef could have been killed during these last two bleaching events,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Campaigner Alix Foster Vander Elst said.
“And worse still our government continue to do nothing to address the cause of the bleaching even as the Reef dies right in front of our eyes.
“I was on the Reef in the middle of the second bleaching event in March this year and seeing the reality of the destruction up close was devastating.
“People need to know that, despite last year’s catastrophic bleaching and unprecedented second year of damage, and today’s shocking news, the government is still considering funnelling almost $1 billion of taxpayers’ money to help fund the Carmichael mega-mine right next door.
“The Government must act now to protect what is left of our world-famous Great Barrier Reef by tackling the root cause of coral bleaching - climate change, fueled by mining and burning fossil fuels like coal.”
Coral bleaching occurs when the surrounding water is too warm, causing the corals to expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues.
This makes the coral take on a completely white appearance. If water temperatures don’t return to normal within six to eight weeks of the bleaching, the coral dies.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
[1] Photo and video of a Greenpeace visit to document Reef bleaching on the outer reefs of Port Douglas in March 2017 can be accessed here: http://media.greenpeace.org/shoot/27MZIFJJD68E1
For interviews contact:
Simon Black
Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner
0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org